Lasers 'trick' teeth into regenerating

Animal tests have shown that laser beams can be used to "trick" parts of damaged teeth into regenerating, UCL's Chris Mason has said.

The laser beam triggers a series of changes that lead to the formation of new dentin, the layer below the enamel.

There is hope that the technique could one day be used to prevent root canal treatments.

Professor Mason stated that the findings also had wider implications for regenerative treatment as a whole.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Thursday 29 May.