If only we were like sharks — or perhaps like ourselves as kindergartners. But alas, when a full grown human loses a full grown tooth there are only two options – dentures or dental implants. Until now – that is! Researchers at the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Laboratory at Columbia University Medical Center have pioneered a technology that may allow us to regrow our own teeth, in our own mouths, as adults. The technique involves implanting a tooth scaffolding in the mouth of a patient and redirecting stem cells in the patient’s body to regenerate the tooth right where it was in the first place.
Currently, the process of surgically inserting dental implants in a patient’s mouth is somewhat horrifying. Dentists embed a cone shaped titanium screw directly into the jaw bone of the patient with the tooth attached on top. The process is — obviously — painful and there’s the prospect of a long or indefinite healing process. The other option is dentures, and we all know that nobody wants to take their teeth out at night. Luckily for those about to lose their teeth, the team of Columbia University researchers — led by Dr. Jeremy Mao — has successfully grown teeth in animal testing, which bodes well for future testing in people.
The scaffolding is made of all natural materials and is inserted in the dental cavity where the missing tooth once was. When the scaffolding grows, it integrates into its surroundings just as a natural tooth would, and even regrows periodontal ligaments and newly formed alveolar bone — none of which are possible with implants. This process could seriously cut down on artificial materials in people’s mouths all over the world. Imagine, instead of popping in a piece of plastic, your body could just regrow an all natural incisor for you, or even a whole smile of perfect pearly whites.
Via Science Daily
Please for the love of what ever God you believe/don’t believe in, make this dream a reality! The possibilities of stem cell technology are obviously vast but I assure you that many people are already zeroed in on some of the most complex processes. I’m not sure if you have heard of Dr. Atala but he has been at the forefront of body regeneration for sometime now. I’ll post a link to a video highlighting some of his advancements in this field. I think it will help to greatly enhance this article.
http://www.ndep.us/Building-Body-Parts
I automatically start thinking of people abusing this possibility down the road. I’d like a second chance at something I feel like I screwed up as a kid…
This is not the first time they have grown a whole new tooth. They just need to get this out in the market and get rid of the implant. Just think of those that did not have the bone destiny to have implants now and have new teeth. What about all those that are using a brige or dentures can now get their teeth back. Must be priced at a reasonable amount and get the dental industry on board for coverage.
los implantes actuales te dejan una tension horrible en la mandibula sobre todo si haces deporte , hay que hacer algo nuevo yaaaaaa ¡¡¡
I am from India and have a very bad oral condition.I have a missing teeth and I don’t want the titanium implant its painful and the price is not affortable. I eagerly wating for the new technique and hope it will come out with an affortable price.