Stem Cells Regenerate Parts of Teeth

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Stem cells from may help scientists grow parts of teeth you may need in the future.

Researchers from University of Southern California School of Dentistry have regenerated tooth roots and ligaments to restore tooth function in pigs. They believe this breakthrough looks very promising to use in people.

Scientists used stem cells harvested from the extracted wisdom teeth of 18-to 20-year-olds to create enough root and ligament structure to support the restoration of a crown in their pig model. The restoration was similar to the original tooth in function and strength.

The technique uses stem cells harvested from the root apical papilla, which develops a tooth's root and periodontal ligament. Previous studies used dental pulp stem cells.

"The apical papilla provides better stem cells for root structure regeneration," says lead researcher Songtao Shi, DDS, Ph.D. "With this technique, the strength of the tooth restoration is not quite as strong as the original tooth, but we believe it is sufficient to withstand normal wear and tear."

Dr. Shi hopes to begin clinical trials using the technique with the next few years. This could greatly help dental patients who are not the right candidates for dental implants or would rather use living tissue from their own teeth.

This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.

SOURCE: PLoS ONE published online Dec. 20, 2006