Stem Cells for Tooth Decay: A Murray Dentist May One Day Use Stem Cells to Restore Damaged Teeth

Scientists are now studying the possibility of restoring teeth through stem cell treatment. The success of their research could mean that people would no longer have to undergo traditional, and often nerve-racking, dental procedures. Various tooth doctors in the country, from a New York pediatric dentist to a Murray dentist that specializes in cosmetic dentistry, might also ditch their dental drills for stem cell syringes.

A root canal is currently the most popular procedure for treating tooth decay. It involves the cleaning of a decayed tooth, disinfecting the area, and applying an impermeable seal to prevent further damage. However, this process can be painful for patients and might not even be able to stop an infection.

Dental implants are also commonly used to restore teeth. Practitioners all over offer the service to patients who need teeth replacement or support for crowns and dentures. The procedure involves bone grafting, cutting the gums, and drilling the bone to place the metal post that serves as the tooth\’s root. Although patients are injected with anesthesia, some still experience pain and discomfort during the operation.

A stem cell treatment can be the painless and hassle-free alternative to root canals and implants. Instead of drilling teeth or bones, dentists would simply have to inject stem cells into the damaged tooth to grow new tissue. This process, scientists believe, will eventually restore the tooth back to health.

Dental stem cells are mainly seen as aids in regenerating living tooth tissue, or pulp. \”The whole concept of going for pulp regeneration is that you will try and retain a vital tooth, a tooth that is alive,” Tony Smith, an oral biology professor at the University of Birmingham, told the Wall Street Journal. “That means the tooth\’s natural defense mechanisms will still be there.”

But while the studies open up the possibility of a painless dental operation, there remain issues that need to be resolved. Generating the right tissue and structure, as well as marking the exact placement of the new tooth or pulp inside the mouth, are still difficult. Moreover, since promising experiments have only been done on animals, diverse studies have to be conducted before dental stem cells can be approved for treatments for humans.

As this alternative to root canals and implants is still a long way from being established, it is still best to practice good oral hygiene to preserve one\’s teeth. In case of inevitable tooth decay, one can easily visit a dentist in Murray, like Dr. Daniel W. Ormsby of Ormsby Dental. His practice—and anyone else\’s—might not yet be able to apply cutting-edge stem cell treatments, but they offer teeth whitening, bleaching, implants, and other cosmetic procedures that can help keep teeth beautiful, strong, and healthy.