Stem Cells Researched for Effectiveness in Repairing Tooth Damage
Regenerative medicine researchers from King’s College in London are evaluating an approach where they use stem cells to repair damaged teeth.
The team from King’s College is working on a solution where they stimulate a patient’s own stem cells found within the dental pulp to repair minor damage. The process is being facilitated through the use of a drug that was actually developed to help treat symptoms of Alzheimer’s.
The research has been able to demonstrate how the stem cells are able to differentiate and repair minor cracks in a tooth; however, it’s not expected to put the field of dentistry out of business just yet.
Limitations to Dental Stem Cell Repairs
The initial observations are remarkable – the idea that stem cells can be triggered to repair damage is remarkable. The team however, is quick to point out that initial research has revealed some challenges.
The solution was unable to repair areas with more extensive damage. The scientists believe the approach can be made more robust; but further studies will need to be evaluated.
The Future of Dental Restoration
It’s too soon to expect this treatment to be applied across the country; but it is favorable to see that more sustainable alternatives to dental drills and cavity fillings may be viable at some point in the future.
References:
Neves, V. C. M. et al. Promotion of natural tooth repair by small molecule GSK3 antagonists. Sci. Rep. 7, 39654; doi: 10.1038/srep39654 (2017).
