Stem cells may replace dental implants in the future

Friday January 5, 2007 ins: Cosmetic Surgery News Tag(s):

Technorati Tags: cosmetic surgery, stem cells, dental implants

Research shows that stem cells could replace dental implants in the coming days. Stem cells derived from the roots of removed teeth have proven to grow new roots in mammals.

The research was headed by Songtao Shi from the University of Southern California and he has been achieving significant recognitions in this endeavor.

Scientific American tells more:

For Christmas, a few miniature pigs in a University of Southern California lab got new roots for their front teeth, courtesy of stem cells from human teeth. This regeneration of mammalian tooth root, reported in last week's inaugural issue of PloS ONE, could have clinical applications that would have a big impact on oral surgery procedures such as root canals.

An international team headed by dentistry researcher Songtao Shi focused its efforts on stem cells found in the root apical papilla, tissue connected to the tip of the root that is responsible for the root's development. Previous efforts by Shi and his colleagues involved the harvesting of stem cells from the dental pulp, the tissue at the center of a tooth, commonly referred to as the nerve.

The study found that within six months after implantation of stem cells, the teeth have become strong enough to cope up with normal wear and tear. Experts suggest that this new bio-root can replace dental implants since the former has a more natural relationship with the bone.

The day is coming when root canal treatment can be made less invasive and decayed dentin repair would be a lot easier.

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