The technology of dental implants has advanced rapidly in recent years to provide a solution to the aesthetic, functionality and health issues resulting from missing teeth.
Conventional Implant Dentistry
But conventional dental implants are not the perfect solution for replacing missing teeth as the healing process extends for many months and rejection of the implant occurs in about 5 percent of patients. Furthermore, dental implants are expected to last for about 15 years. Despite much advancement in implant technology conventional implants do not provide a truly permanent solution for a missing tooth. But the answer could lie in a highly researched new dental technique – stem cell dental implants which could well be the future of implant dentistry.
Research on various levels of stem cell technology has been conducted at reputable universities and one such study has been by researchers of the University of Southern California led by Songtao Shi.
Tooth Root Tissue Research by Dr. Songtao Shi
The stem cells used are derived from tissue found at the tip of the removed tooth root, called root apical papilla. There have already been studies conducted in mammals that proved stem cells from removed teeth can grow and create new roots. According to the study by Songtao Shi, in 6 months after the stem cell implantation in the area of the removed teeth, the implants became strong enough to withstand regular use.
Since these implants derive from stem cells from the tissue at the tooth root’s tip, it significantly contributes to better tissue regeneration including the formation of tissues found in the mouth such as cementum and dentin. These natural implants are bio-roots and can naturally form a bond with the bone. Furthermore, the bio-root does not bring with it the risk of loosening or gum disease, which is sometimes a complication with conventional implants.
Tissue Regeneration by Dr. Jeremy Mao
Stem cell research by Columbia University Medical Centre’s Dr. Jeremy Mao has led to the development of a technique that regenerates new teeth. The study deals with the creation of a natural three-dimensional scaffold which can be used to regenerate a tooth in just nine weeks from the date of implantation. This breakthrough procedure, which Mao is patenting, may transform dental implantation. More cost effective means of performing this technique are in the course of being developed by Mao. This is undoubtedly one of the most promising examples of stem cell dental implant technology.
Current Research
Research is ongoing to refine these techniques and develop more cost-effective stem cell technology procedures. Stem cell dental implants technology is in its infancy and is currently not an option for replacing missing teeth. Conventional techniques of implant dentistry are not likely to soon disappear as it could be many years until this new dental technology becomes commercially available.
Stem cell dental implants may be the future of implant dentistry and could have the benefits of restoring teeth in a more effective and manner than traditional dental implants with the benefit of a higher success rate and greater longevity.
About the author: Dental Care Plus is a UK based company which uses the latest dental technology and techniques to provide conventional implant dentistry to the highest standards in the UK.