There is no doubt that as we continue to move further into the 21st century, the field of dentistry continues to evolve, as does patient expectation level when dealing with their oral health.
There is no doubt that as we continue to move further into the 21st century, the field of dentistry continues to evolve, as does patient expectation level when dealing with their oral health.
Root Canal treatment has always been the talk of the town and the pain endured during the process, moreover, it can also be a costly method of treatment. Nowadays, however, an innovative way of fixing the tooth’s root has been discovered through the recent findings in tissue engineering that led to the regeneration of dental tissues or entire teeth.
In the following article by Chris Smith, he explains that researchers have come up with a new kind of biomaterial that not only encourages the natural regeneration of teeth but also eliminates root canal procedures for good.
Scientists figured out how to regenerate teeth and eliminate root canals
So how do we get root canals in the first place? It all starts with a cavity that needs to be filled with either porcelain, a tooth-colored filling material, gold or other metal alloys. But as soon as that filling fails, the pain returns. That usually means the nerve and vascularization of the tooth are infected and need to be removed. Their place is taken by a special compound that is then cemented into the tooth. All that is done via a root canal procedure. The tooth is saved, but it’s no longer served by nerve or blood vessels. And over time, the tooth might be lost because of that.
Researchers from the University of Harvard and Nottingham have come up with a biomaterial for fillings that is regenerative, according to Popular Science. The material stimulates the growth of stem cells in the pulp, which could prevent further tooth decay. Because fillings wouldn’t fail as often, root canal procedures could be virtually unnecessary.
So the previous article clearly made the case for working on the new Stem cell technology and the regeneration of a specific material which would eventually make the root canal procedure obsolete.
In the next article by Mark Prigg, he elaborates how exactly stem cells will come in contact with the pulp tissues which will stimulate the process of repair and regeneration.
The end of root canals? Revolutionary ‘stem cell fillings’ trigger teeth to repair themselves
The horror of a root canal could soon be a thing of the past thanks to a radical new stem cell treatment. Researchers from the University of Nottingham and the Wyss Institute at Harvard University developed the therapeutic synthetic, light-curable, biomaterials.
“We have designed synthetic biomaterials that can be used similarly to dental fillings but can be placed in direct contact with pulp tissue to stimulate the native stem cell population for repair and regeneration of pulp tissue and the surrounding dentin.”
“Our approach has great promise to impact the dental field and this prize provides a great platform to develop this technology further with industrial partners.” The research won second prize in the materials category of the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Emerging Technologies Competition 2016.
David Mooney, the Pinkas Family Professor of Bioengineering at the John Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Harvard and the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, added: “These materials may provide an effective and practical approach to allow a patient to regenerate components of their own teeth.”
Dr Steve Pleasance, Head of Industry at the Royal Society of Chemistry said: “Increasing innovation in the chemical sciences is one of the key elements of the Royal Society of Chemistry’s industry strategy.”
Check out this CBS video on how stem cells are making history.
So there you have it. You’re now equipped with the latest knowledge regarding how stem cell technology is probably going to take over the root canal procedure. Thus, if you are lucky, you will not experience the pain others have gone through during their root canal procedure.
Dr. Stephen Nozaki is the owner and lead dentist at Image Dental in Stockton. He is a dedicated professional born and raised in California's Central Valley. With a commitment to his community, he brings advanced dental techniques learned from extensive education and continuous training from around the world. A third-generation Japanese American, Dr. Nozaki has a rich background that includes international living and a deep passion for both dentistry and outdoor activities. His focus in dentistry aligns with his passion for cosmetics and dental implants.
