How Promising Are Stem Cell Dental Implants?
Chances are you’ve heard at least a discussion or two about the use of stem cells in scientific research. That discussion has also found its way into the dental industry with talk of using stem cell dental implants. At Red Oak Family Dentistry, we’re always keeping an eye out for interesting new advancements in our field of work, and we thought this idea was definitely one worth sharing. Here’s a little primer on what’s going on and what it could mean for the future of dental care:
Tissue Regeneration Technique
Previously, when someone had missing teeth, they had to replace them with an appliance like dentures or a bridge. Then, dental implants came along and introduced another solution with increased comfort and convenience. Of course, scientists are always on the path toward progress, and a new possibility has emerged: using a tissue regeneration technique so that people can regrow teeth, not just replace them with an artificial substitute. With this approach, a patient’s own stem cells are used to grow a new tooth in the socket of the missing one. The draw of using dental stem cells is that they’re more easily extractable than some of the body’s other stem cells.
The Future of Stem Cell Dentistry
A 2015 study on dental stem cells applications in regenerative dentistry found that more long-term clinical studies are needed, specifically to figure out how to handle certain limitations like the ability to grow these cells consistently in labs and the possibility of immune rejection. While the researchers acknowledged the risks and challenges involved with this type of work, they did say that this stem cell approach could one day be used as an alternative to the synthetic options we have now.
Dental Implants at Red Oak Family Dentistry
There’s still a lot to keep an eye on when it comes to stem cell dental implants research. Primarily, the rules around what kind of stem cell research is allowed to be performed in the country and for what uses. Until this treatment becomes available to the public, we’re happy to still provide our patients with dental implants so they don’t have to wait to get a beautiful, healthy smile. Call or email us today to set up your implant consultation!