03 Feb Biomimetic Dentistry News: A New Treatment that Regrows Teeth?
As you know, Dr. Thompson at Prescott Dentistry prides himself in being at the forefront of nature-mimicking biomimetic dentistry that allows for restorative, non-invasive treatments. These alternatives to the old fashioned drill-and-fill techniques of the past are what make Prescott Dentistry so loved by their patients. With that, it is important to stay abreast on all of the new emerging technologies relating to dentistry–whether they ever make it to FDA approval or not! This latest study has a promising start as it is already being trialled for another condition. Can a drug being tested for Alzheimer’s patients regrow your teeth and repair cavities?
The drug is known as Tideglusib. According to a research team out of King’s College London, this fascinating drug can actually stimulate stem cells in your tooth’s pulp allowing the production of new dentine–the structure of your tooth underneath the enamel. Your teeth already have the ability to regenerate naturally, however, that natural regeneration is limited to only a thin layer which isn’t enough to refill the entire cavity that results from tooth decay.
How does the drug work? Well, Tideglusib improves and supercharges the process of regrowth by turning off the enzyme that prevents dentine from forming. The scientists have seen the process work in studies on mice where a tiny biodegradable sponge is soaked with the drug and placed inside the cavity. The process of triggering dentine growth and cavity repair is complete in under 6 weeks and the sponge completely dissolves. This leaves only a repaired tooth remaining!
The idea of stimulating your teeth to repair themselves is certainly on that aligns with the idea of biomimetic dentistry which aims to restore your teeth to their natural form and function. So you can be sure that the team at Prescott Dentistry will be keeping a close eye on this new technology if and when it comes to market! Contact Prescott Dentistry today to schedule your appointment and experience what biomimetic dentistry is like first hand!
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (2/3/2017) Joseph Elsbernd (Flickr)