Fascinating scientific research is being done all the time to improve the field of dentistry. Through studies over the years, we came to find out the importance of fluoride and dental sealants. Research has allowed us to come up with better materials for making tooth restorations and dental implants look aesthetically pleasing while still being durable. Recent research done at the University of Southern California could be one of the first steps in learning how stem cells can help us regenerate teeth the way certain animals do in nature. Greenfield dentists, Drs. Bagley, Goodwin, and Hrinda will tell you more about this fascinating new information.
Future Hope for Natural Human Tooth Restoration
The global team of researchers were led by USC pathology Professor Cheng-Ming Chuong, M.D., Ph.D. Titling the study “Specialized stem cell niche enables repetitive renewal of alligator teeth,” the scientists results were published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. This is the official journal of the United States National Academy of Sciences.
Professor Chong pointed out that people only generate teeth twice in their life time. The first is when baby teeth gradually erupt. After they fall out one-at-a-time, permanent teeth grow in. This is a small amount of teeth renewal compared to the alligator, which was the focus of the study. The research team focused on stem cells as being an important part of the natural regrowth of teeth that occurs when an alligator has a dental casualty due to hunting or fighting. The theory of the study was that if we can understand the way alligator’s teeth work, maybe we can replicate the process to restore human teeth.
The Three Faces of Alligator Teeth
Alligators are among many animals that are capable of regenerating teeth as many as 50 times throughout their lives. Dr. Chong and his team utilized microscopic imaging to break alligator teeth down into three separate components. In the front they have the current functioning tooth. Behind that is a backup tooth waiting in the wings. Behind that is something called dental lamina which is believed to be comprised of stem cells. The scientists plan to isolate these cells in future research, and hopefully regenerate alligator teeth in a lab setting to better understand the overall process.
Schedule an Appointment with Your Greenfield Dentists
If you are missing teeth and would like to speak about the current tooth replacements available, schedule a consultation with your Greenfield dentists at our 01301 dentist office. Call 413-772-0842 to make an appointment with Drs. Bagley, Goodwin, and Hrinda. We are proud to serve patients in the western region of Massachusetts, close to the surrounding states of CT, NH, VT, and NY.