What are Stem Cell Dental Implants?
Stem cell dental implants are a new advancement that stimulates the body’s regenerative processes, enabling the growth of new tooth roots and natural teeth. While stem cell dental implant research is progressing, they are not yet a widely available tooth loss solution. Titanium dental implants are the standard practice in dentistry today.
How Can Stem Cells Regrow Teeth?
Stem cells are self-renewing cells, which means they are unique cells that can change into other cells within the body. Stem cells are ‘blank’ cells and don’t have specific functions other than renewing themselves. Teeth can be regrown using stem cells as part of the human body’s regenerative abilities.
Stem cells can divide and develop into specialized cells, like cells found in the brain, muscle, or blood, which makes them a vital part of tissue growth and repair. Stem cell therapy is already being used to treat diabetes, cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and soon, to regrow teeth.
Early stem cell laboratory tests on mice found that naturally occurring dental stem cells can be harvested to regrow teeth. This means that, in the human mouth, stem cells found in a healthy molar or dental pulp can be transferred elsewhere in the jaw to encourage teeth regrowth.
The dental pulp contains cells that encourage the growth of dentin, which is the tissue that makes up the tooth’s foundation. Studies show that dental pulp stem cells behave similarly to mesenchymal stem cells, or MSCs, which are progressively being used as a therapeutic treatment for autoimmune disease, spinal cord injuries, and bone disease. This further proves the potential of stem cell teeth regeneration, which can redefine dental care.
The result of dental stem cell implants is for patients to grow fully functional new teeth. Stem cell tooth regeneration will be less invasive and less painful than traditional dental implants and is likely a more cost-effective solution to regrowing teeth.
The Possibilities of Stem Cell Dental Implants
Historically, humans have not been able to regrow teeth more than twice. As stem cell research develops, dentistry is on the cusp of changing that. Recent developments in stem cells have opened a new door for patients suffering from various dental diseases and disorders.
Stem cells are present in most tissues within the craniofacial complex, including the jaw, making tooth regeneration possible using tooth tissues such as dentin, periodontal ligament, and dental pulp. These stem cell tissues can also be applied to treat conditions like periodontitis, cleft palate defects, and autoimmune diseases.
There are two primary sources of stem cells within the mouth: stem cells from molars and stem cells in dental pulp. This opens the door for stem cells to be used in a variety of dental procedures, like regrowing teeth due to decay, following wisdom teeth surgery, or extracting root canals.
Stem cell therapy will also offer alternatives for treating broken, chipped, or missing teeth. Tooth regeneration using stem cells may eventually replace traditional dental implants or dentures. Once stem cells in dentistry are widely available, the choice between these options will depend on factors like a patient’s budget, oral health, the location of missing teeth, and tooth bone density.
Stem Cell Dental Implants vs. Regular Dental Implants
Once stem cell dental implants are available, patients considering tooth replacement will need to weigh up the pros and cons of the newer implants versus traditional dental implants. Stem cell teeth regeneration aims to regrow teeth naturally instead of merely replacing missing teeth with metal ones.
Traditional dental implants are attached to the jaw bone with a titanium screw. This forms the foundation for artificial teeth, like crowns or bridges, to rest upon. These dental implants resemble natural teeth and perform all the usual functions, such as chewing, talking, and smiling.
While stem cell tooth regeneration is still in its early days, stem cells are already considered a superior option to regular dental implants. This is because dental stem cells have regenerative powers compatible with the body’s immune system, lowering the risk of infection or complications.
Stem cell dental implants will also be able to bond to the jaw naturally. Stem cells are biologically different from regular dental implants, which cannot mimic the natural bond between the tooth and jaw bone. As a result, dental implants are more likely to loosen over time.
Stem Cell Dental Implants vs. Dentures
Stem cell dental implants regrow teeth naturally, whereas dentures, similar to regular dental implants, only artificially replace missing ones. Dentures and overdentures are artificial teeth that rest on the gum and are available in full sets or a partial set. Full-set dentures are secured with dental adhesive, whereas partial dentures are secured by metal or acrylic clasps.
Patients considering stem cell dental implants versus dentures should also consider the permeability of each option. Stem cell dental implants are permanent, whereas patients can remove dentures for cleaning and maintenance.
How You Can Protect Your Teeth Now
While dentists await dental stem cell research to undergo clinical trials, approval, and regulation, it’s important to remember that prevention is always better than a cure. Patients should always maintain a consistent dental hygiene routine regardless of exciting developments in dentistry.
Practicing good oral hygiene is essential, not just for cosmetic reasons, like keeping those pearly whites actually white, but also to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. These conditions increase your chances of needing dentures, dental implants, or later on, stem cell dental implants.
Everyone, of all ages and backgrounds, should follow these basic dental hygiene practices:
- Brush and floss your teeth twice a day, for at least two minutes.
- Limit sugary food and drinks, and when possible, consume beverages with a straw.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, and be careful not to brush too hard.
- Visit a dentist every six months for a deep clean and general check-up.
If you maintain good oral health, hopefully, you won’t ever need dental implant procedures. However, despite regular brushing, flossing, and dentist visits, some people may still need tooth restoration or replacement work. This is because genes play a major role in how teeth develop. Teeth problems are often hereditary, so if there’s a history of poor dental enamel in your family, there is a chance you’ll develop decay or tooth loss.
Cosmetic Dentist in Phoenix, AZ
At Corner Dentistry & Orthodontics, we know that teeth should look and feel good at the same time. Our practices in Glendale and Scottsdale, Arizona offer a range of dental implant options to replace or repair missing teeth.
We have our finger on the pulse of the most innovative dental procedures and developments. Dr Shim and his team guarantee patients world-class dental care to ensure the best possible teeth replacement and repair outcomes.
Contact Corner Dentistry & Orthodontics today: the one-stop shop to restore your smile.