Across the country, people spend more than $162 billion a year on dental care. Sadly, many of them wish that they could regrow teeth naturally, but that is not usually possible. The good news is that it is sometimes a possibility though.
Many of those dollars are used to treat dental problems or to replace missing teeth. Dental work such as fillings, crowns, and replacements for missing teeth (dentures and bridges) may rack up a hefty bill when trying to keep your teeth healthy. Hopefully, we won’t need them any longer.
We spoke to dentist Dr. Domenic Belcastro who shared that recent studies have shown, that it is feasible to regenerate teeth. More research and testing are needed, but this breakthrough might revolutionize dental treatment in the years to come.
Do teeth ever grow back?
It’s been widely accepted knowledge for a long time that teeth and tooth enamel cannot be regrown. Emerging findings in dental science, however, imply that this may not always be the case. Researchers have successfully grown tooth pulp in dogs thanks to their work using stem cells.
More Read
Last year, WebMD published an article on how scientists were working on using stem cells to regrow teeth naturally. The insights were very encouraging.
Root canal therapy and fillings may be unnecessary in the future if people can recover a portion of their broken teeth. It is possible that stem cell research may one day help us stop people from losing their teeth or regenerate teeth that have been knocked out. Since this study is so fresh, it might be decades before this development can be used on human teeth.
Stem cell dental implants
Parts of teeth could be able to regenerate with the help of stem cell dental implants. Researchers have discovered that dentin may regenerate by activating stem cells in the tooth pulp. Because of this, cavities may close on their own without any intervention from a dentist.
It could be possible to regrow teeth naturally using a similar method. This could be a great alterative to conventional restorative dentistry options. One of the earliest phases of a tooth’s development is termed a tooth primordium, and it may be created using stem cells. The embryonic tooth might be placed in the gum to restore the smile.
Although adult teeth contain the stem cells necessary for dentin regeneration, only embryonic stem cells capable of differentiating into tooth germs have been identified.
More investigation is needed to identify an alternate supply of these stem cells by scientists. Once a suitable source is identified, stem cells may one day be employed to restore lost teeth.
Stem cell dental implants, as the name suggests, are a departure from the conventional dental implant or denture. Thanks to technological advancements and scientific discoveries, we now have access to more cutting-edge solutions for dental problems. The goal of stem cell dental implants is to stimulate the regrowth of the patient’s natural teeth in the implant site. The issue with teeth is that people only acquire two sets of permanent teeth throughout their lives.
Researchers have investigated the potential of stem cells for creating replacement teeth in humans. There are several cellular subsets in the human body. One category of cells is known as stem cells. They play a crucial role in the development of the body’s many organs and systems.
Stem cells are present in all of the body’s tissues. Both the body’s creation and replenishment processes benefit from their presence. Stem cells tend to be tucked away in obscure locations, either deep underground or within dense populations of other cells. Scientists uncovered their own stem cell reservoir in both newborn and adult teeth after years of studying, researching, and analyzing teeth. Complete tooth regeneration is possible with the help of these stem cells.
This is why dental implants and dentures are not always the best options
The long recovery time required by dental implants is a common complaint. The implant needs time to recover before it can be used. Another issue regarding dental implants is the fact that jawbone continues to develop throughout a person’s lifetime.
There may be complications if the implant is not properly positioned relative to the jawbone as it develops. Finally, there are certain hazards involved, albeit they should be small if done correctly. Dental implants include a number of possible risks, including nerve damage, infection at the implant site, sinus complications, and further bone loss.
In addition, dentures have their own set of problems. The wearer is constantly reminded of their teeth being in their mouth. Sometimes, even simple tasks like eating and talking become difficult for the sufferer. It’s only natural for someone who has lost a tooth to desire a long-term fix that won’t cause other issues in the road. Dental implants made from stem cells may help with this.
It May Be Possible to Regrow Teeth Naturally
Before using any of these procedures, you may want to consult with a dentist, doctor, or other medical practitioner. When it comes to your teeth and gums, certain advice may be appropriate for everyone, including reducing your sugar intake. Including whole grains and nuts in one’s diet may be necessary for certain individuals.
Further, while some individuals have had success with techniques like oil pulling or supplementation, there isn’t any concrete scientific data to support their usage or safety. Stop using the procedure and see a dentist if you experience any discomfort or bleeding while using it.
The pace of technological advancement is exponential. In reality, it’s a win-win for both patients and dentists, and it’s permeated every industry on the planet. The benefits of these contemporary approaches include less discomfort during treatments, lower overall expenses, and increased productivity. When they become widely accessible and suitable for individual patients, stem cell implants will be an excellent replacement for traditional dental implants and dentures.
It should go without saying that good oral hygiene is essential regardless of what dental procedures you undergo. Dental hygiene is something that should never be taken for granted. Brush two times a day, floss once a day, and see a dentist every six months for best results in your oral hygiene.
