New stem cell treatment could trigger teeth to repair themselves

 

Research carried out by the University of Nottingham and Harvard University has revealed that stem cells could possibly be used as an alternative to fillings and root canals, as they can trigger repair and regeneration within the tooth itself. Scientists at the Wyss Institute at Harvard worked with a team from Nottingham to develop synthetic biomaterials that can be used in a similar way to fillings.

The biomaterials allow dental stem cells inside the tooth to regenerate and rebuild where there has been damage due to decay. Dr Adam Celiz, Marie Curie Research Fellow at the University of Nottingham said that filler materials that are currently used are toxic to the cells inside the tooth, which means that they cannot be brought into direct contact with the pulp tissue. The new biomaterials are designed to be used in the same way as fillings but they are placed in direct contact with the pulp tissue ‘to stimulate the native stem cell population for repair and regeneration of the pulp tissue and the surrounding dentin.’

Dr Celiz said that their work ‘provides a great platform to develop this technology further.’

Dr Kyle Vining, DDS, Fellow at the Wyss Institute said that the team were ‘excited’ about this new development and the way it could bring ‘regenerative medicine to restorative dentistry.’