John Featherstone

Research Interests

De- and remineralization of dental enamel and dentin in relation to prevention of dental decay; laser effects on dental hard tissures including detection and prevention of early dental decay; management of dental decay by risk assesment.

Research Summary

1. Effects of Lasers on Dental Hard Tissues
The overall objective of this research is to provide fundamental information about the effects of laser light on dental hard tissues (enamel and dentin of the teeth) in order to develop means of using lasers to a) detect early decay, b) treat teeth and modify the mineral for the prevention of the progression of dental decay.

2. Management of Dental Decay by Risk Assessment
These studies involve the application of microbiological and chemical assays of saliva as part of a risk assessment scheme to enable the management of dental decay by prevention and conservative treatment rather thean conventional physical removal of decay and placement of restorations (fillings).

Selected Publications

Featherstone, J.D.B., Fried, D. Kantorowitz, Z., Barrett-Vespone, N.A. Seka, W. CO2 laser inhibition of artificial caries-like lesion progression in dental enamel.. J. Dent Res. 77:1397-1403, 1998.

Featherstone, J.D.B. The Science and Practice of Caries Prevention. Journal of the American Dental Association. 131:887-899, 2000.