Root canal treatment as we see it today, may be changing in the future with a concept called regenerative dental fillings. Researchers at Harvard University and University of Nottingham are currently working on marrying stem cell regenerative capabilities with restorative dental fillings so that damaged teeth can actually heal themselves. While the technology is still in the R&D phase, it is exciting to see how the face of dentistry continues to change and expand as technology changes and expands.

Will Regenerative Dental Fillings Eliminate Root Canals?

Popular Science recently published an article that highlighted some new dental research and technology that is in the works–a concept called regenerative dental fillings!  This proposed solution to dying/injured tissue is exciting to the dental community. Why the excitement? First, it helps to understand a little about what regenerative dental fillings will replace.  When a tooth has sustained injury, or serious decay, sometimes it is necessary to incorporate endodontics into your treatment planning by performing root canal therapy to save the tooth.  Untreated cavities that reach the pulp of a tooth have to be treated immediately. Infected pulp can turn to surrounding bone to feed on causing a painful abscess. Infected pulp is unable to heal on its own. Your dentist performs root canal treatment to clean out the infected pulp and disinfect the canals. Root canal therapy is used to save the decayed tooth from extraction. But what if the pulp could heal on its own?

Stem Cells and Regenerative Tooth Fillings

Researchers at Harvard and the University of Nottingham aim to eliminate the need for your dentist to treat the injured or infected pulp by, instead, letting your body do it.  The new treatment method engages the healing powers of stem cells to work on your body’s behalf.  The researchers told CBS News: “What we found is a material that can potentially regenerate components of a patient’s tooth. . . .We’re trying to provide an alternative material, an alternative therapy because the current method involves the dentist removing all of the infected pulp tissue.”

Regenerative Tooth Fillings Stimulate Native Stem Cells

The team working on bringing us this innovative technology could, quite possibly, be the first to bridge the gap between dental medicine and regenerative medicine.  If the fillings work as they are designed, they will activate the native stem cells inside your teeth triggering the repair and regeneration of the injured/decaying pulp tissues in the your tooth.  The other area of the tooth that they are working on regenerating is the dentin, or the barrier that defends the top of the pulp tissue. Dentin is just as important as your tooth enamel although we don’t talk about it as much.  Dentin transmits impulses from the enamel or root to the dental pulp helping it receive the nourishment it needs.

How Soon Will Regenerative Tooth Fillings Be Obtainable?

While the science and technology behind regenerative tooth fillings is solid, they are still in the research and development phase and are years away from it being available for patients.  But, when it does come, it will bring with it amazing options for both dental service providers and patients alike. We are, definitely, living in one of the most innovative eras of our existence! You can count on Mountain Aire Dentistry to bring you the most innovative technology and services we can for your treatment needs.  Our on-going continuing education efforts enable us to stay on top of both the newest dental technology available as well as being able to deliver it to you effectively!

Call for a Consultation

When it comes to your oral healthcare, we are dedicated to providing you the best skills combined with the best technology available for your care. Call today for a comprehensive examination to ensure your oral health is where it needs to be.  Dr. Bockrath is a family dentist in Broomfield, Colorado, with convenient access to the communities of Thornton, Broomfield, Northglenn and Westminster.  Mountain Aire Dentistry offers state-of-the-art family dentistry and cosmetic dentistry. Call (303) 731-7755 to schedule your appointment today!