Dentists may soon be giving patients a new generation of dental implants after research suggested stem cells could be used to reattach teeth.
Scientists at the University of Illinois in Chicago have published research which details how the cells were used to anchor the teeth of rats and mice back into their jawbones.
After only four months, the stem cells had aligned and formed new attachments which firmly reattached the lost teeth.
In the control group that did not use stem cells, the molars fell back out again or were only loosely attached.
It is hoped that the findings could be used in the future as an alternative to traditional dental implants.
However, as this may still be some way from the present day, anyone in need of cosmetic dentistry should be reassured that dental implants used now are very reliable and are sure to make a big difference to people who have missing teeth.
