Those who take pride in the appearance of their teeth will know precisely what cosmetic dental procedures are available. Their teeth can look white and beautiful with in-chair teeth whitening, or straight with braces and Invisalign. Whatever imperfection you have, your dentist will have something up their sleeve to help.
What you may not have imagined, however, is that in the future, they could have the ability to regrow your teeth. Right now, technology allows dentists to create dental implants and dentures to replace your lost teeth. Even if there is not enough bone for dental implants, they can generate that too. Dental technology has never been better than it is today.
In late 2019, molecular biologists from the United Kingdom released information that they have identified a gene in mice responsible for tooth regeneration. With this new information, it can only be a matter of time before they delve into the possibilities surrounding tooth regeneration in humans.
According to researchers led by Dr. Bing Hu at the University of Plymouth’s Peninsula Dental School, natural growth could be on the cards. The team studied both signalling molecules and genes in mice’s teeth to work out how they can regrow them.
Teeth consist of enamel (which is dead) as well as nerve tissue, pulp, and dentin, which are all living parts. They used this information to understand that stem cells can be turned into regenerative cell types, including teeth cells.
From here, they identified a gene known as DLK1, which can regenerate tissue and enhance the activation process of stem cells. These cells help to create the body of a tooth and form dentin.
Dentists and their patients shouldn’t get their hopes up just yet though. The regulatory process could take years, and research is still in its infancy stages. But it’s a highly promising development all the same, and one that could change how dentists deal with tooth trauma, repair, and decay.
What Should We Do in the Meantime?
While we wait for new technology such as tooth regeneration to hit the mainstream market, you can still take care of your broken, damaged, or lost teeth. Dental implants, which are roots installed into your jawbone with an artificial tooth, continue to be one of the most popular cosmetic dental options.
If you are missing more than one tooth, then crowns, bridges, and dentures are recommendations by most leading dentists as well. Given the variety of options, you won’t have to put up with a gap in your mouth for too long.
Dental technology is evolving at a rapid pace, and dentists can’t wait to try new things. It will only be a matter of time before tooth regeneration is commonplace. However, if you can’t wait, then see your dentist to learn more about other cosmetic dental procedures that may solve your problem.