Kids hit many milestones as they grow, from their first words to their first visits from the tooth fairy. As baby teeth loosen and fall out, adult teeth take their place—part of a natural process most parents in Brooklyn know well. But sometimes, permanent teeth are lost later in life due to injury, decay, or gum disease. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers solutions for almost every situation, restoring both function and confidence. Today’s materials and techniques are far more advanced than what past generations could imagine—and dental researchers are still pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
At Tufts School of Dental Medicine, scientists are exploring one of the most exciting frontiers: growing brand-new teeth and jawbone from a patient’s own stem cells. These “universal cells,” carefully harvested from inside healthy adult teeth, can develop into tooth buds. But this isn’t as simple as growing something in a lab dish—the process only works under conditions similar to an embryonic jaw, with growth hormones and nutrients timed perfectly. Creating this environment is a challenge, but researchers are making progress toward a future where replacing a lost tooth might mean growing a natural one back.
Progress Continues
The Tuft’s team recently constructed a cellular matrix that allows successful implantation of a tooth bud into a pig’s jaw. Under their design, early adult-stage teeth develop within five months. But the transfer from pigs to humans requires significant advancements yet to come. Researchers project that humans won’t profit from these developments for another ten years. The exciting progress hints at options once believed to be impossible.
In the meantime, dental implants offer the closest alternative to growing new teeth. Titanium pieces placed into the jawbone mimic tooth roots that support life-like porcelain crowns. And research has brought major benefits to implant technology as well. Specialized coatings and modified designs help produce outstanding integration success, while 3D imaging technology allows precise planning of every case.
A Cavity Disappearing Act
Another intriguing frontier in dental research involves dental fillings that stimulate teeth to repair their own damage. Decayed parts of teeth usually are drilled out and restored with various materials. But researchers at Nottingham and Harvard University recently earned recognition from the Royal Society of Chemistry for their innovative approach.
These teams created a filling material that stimulates stem cells to grow dentin, the firm inner layer of every tooth. They’ve also demonstrated the ability to regenerate the internal nerve and blood vessel center of teeth, the pulp. This part of the tooth usually undergoes root canal treatment when it’s infected. Widespread regenerative procedures are a few years off. But these materials could revolutionize the treatment of some common dental problems.
“We are excited about the promise of therapeutic biomaterials for bringing regenerative medicine to restorative dentistry.
— Kyle Vining. Fellow, Harvard University
Stay Tuned!
Dentistry is moving into exciting new frontiers, with solutions once thought impossible now becoming reality. Advances like dental stem cells could one day make growing new teeth a routine procedure. But you don’t have to wait for the future to experience life-changing dentistry—today’s implants and biocompatible materials already offer natural-looking results with full function. Here in Brooklyn, the Metropolitan Dental Arts team stays at the forefront of innovations that improve your care and comfort. We look forward to sharing the latest breakthroughs in dental science with you at your next visit.