Losing teeth is something that happens often for various reasons. The approach to handling this problem is to utilize compatible dental implants. Dental implants, however, are not without problems. The good news is that this may one day be a thing of the past. According to a study published recently in the Journal of Dental Research, a new tissue regeneration technique may offer people the opportunity to grow their own teeth.
Dr. Jeremy Mao, professor of dental medicine at Columbia University Medical Center, recently unveiled a growth factor-infused, three-dimensional scaffold with the potential to regenerate an anatomically correct tooth in roughly nine weeks from implantation. Mao has been successful directing the body’s own stem cells toward the scaffold, which is made of natural materials. Once the stem cells have colonized within the scaffold, a new tooth is able to grow.
Mao’s technique utilizes the body’s own resources, allows for faster recovery time, and offers a natural process of regrowth (as opposed to implantation). Columbia University is currently applying for patents on this therapy, which may make it a long time before we see this option commercially available. However, it is great to know that research like this is ongoing and offers a potential opportunity to move away from dental implants utilizing foreign materials.
Cardiodontal is located at 310 E. Shore Rd., Ste. 101, Great Neck. To make an appointment with Jonathan Richter, DDS, FAGD, call 516-282-0310. See ad on back cover.
