Recently, a group of biotechnologists from Buffalo University, New York, US, received a $420 000 grant for innovative research in the field of regenerative medicine - stem-cell-based regenerative therapy for various tooth defects, including root canal treatment.
Stem cells - raw building material in the human body - ‘indifferent’ cells that may transform into different cell types to form a specific tissue - epithelial, nervous, muscle, bone, etc. This research is a first-ever case of application stem-cell technology in the dental field, as a lead project’s scientist claims.
Why is it important?
Stem cell therapy - is a widespread technique within the oncology and genetic industries - during which doctors reprogram stem cells (in this case, obtained from extracted human molars) to replace damaged cells in teeth, repairing them.
This approach may help some patients avoid surgical intervention that usually means a replacement of the biological tooth with a synthetic analog. Cell regeneration is not only a much healthier treatment way but, theoretically, is much more cost-effective than implantation.
What’s next?
In experiments and research, scientists use practices from the oncology field, implementing the most workable and safe strategies. For now, the research group is planning to start trials on mice, and in case of success, this technology can be applied to human beings.
**Cover obtained from www.buffalo.edu
