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A New Definition for Dental Implants

June 1st, 2010 · 5 Comments

Human molar scaffold by Dr. Mao of Columbia University Medical Center

Here at DentalBlogs, we were giddy to bring you news about scientists making prosthetic sheep bones from wicker. We thought that might have been the absolute coolest thing ever. We jumped up and down while typing blog posts (thank goodness for spell check) that told you about stem cells that promote implant stabilization. We love to bring you exciting news from the world of dentistry every day. But nothing – nothing – has tickled our fancy as much as the new report from Columbia University Medical Center.

Nine weeks. New tooth. No prosthetic. Seriously.

The recipe for re-growing a tooth is as follows:

  • Insert a special scaffold made of natural materials
  • Direct stem cells within the body to the scaffold
  • Let the body do its work for nine weeks

In an animal study, this recipe has shown success in growing a fully integrated, new, natural tooth in place of a missing tooth. In addition, alveolar bone and periodontal ligaments grew to support the tooth. The only outside substance required for the procedure is the human molar scaffold [pictured], made from natural materials.

The research conducted by Dr. Jeremy Mao and his team was published in the Journal of Dental Research. Dr. Mao hopes that this discovery will lead to a cost-effective alternative to pricey dental implants, as well as a practical option for people who are not good candidates for implants.

SOURCE: http://www.cumc.columbia.edu/news/press_releases/MAOtooth.html

Tags: Clinical · Dental Materials · News · Press Release

5 responses so far ↓

  • 1 Cindy Brayer // Jun 1, 2010 at 11:03 am

    This is very interesting technology. Thanks for sharing such helpful information!

  • 2 cosmetic dentist // Jun 1, 2010 at 10:46 pm

    Thanks for the info about dental problems. I too heard about Dr. Jeremy Mao researches. Teeth is very sensitive organ, we should maintain without any affects.

  • 3 dentalsurgery // Jun 2, 2010 at 2:18 am

    what a great breakthrough, thank you for covering the story

  • 4 Jonathan Campbell, DDS // Jun 2, 2010 at 10:04 pm

    Very cool. It raises so many questions. Will a crown be required to control occlusion and shade. Will crown need to be cemented or bonded? Will new tooth be more or less resistant to decay? Regrowth of periodontal ligament means soft tissue should be easier to manage. Can ‘implant’ only be placed at the time of extraction? and on and on.

  • 5 Aesthetic Dentist in VA // Jun 3, 2010 at 5:15 pm

    This sounds very promising. I would think the crown would certainly at least need a temporary cement. Do any of you use BioPlant? I use it all the time, but I don’t find a lot of my colleagues do. It offers a lot of the same benefits in terms of flexibility.

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