Re-Build Teeth Like New Without Drilling

A pain-free way that reverses the damage of acid attack and re-builds teeth as new has been developed at the University of Leeds. This new treatment will do away with the need for filling teeth completely. It involves painting a peptide-based fluid onto the tooth's surface. The peptide technology is based on knowledge of how the tooth forms in the first place and stimulates regeneration of the tooth defect.

The fluid contains a peptide known as P 11-4 that - under certain conditions - will assemble together into fibres. In practice, this means that when applied to the tooth, the fluid seeps into the micro-pores caused by acid attack and then spontaneously forms a gel. This gel then provides a 'scaffold' or framework that attracts calcium and regenerates the tooth's mineral from within, providing a natural and pain-free repair.

The technique was recently taken out of the laboratory and tested on a small group of adults whose dentist had spotted the initial signs of tooth decay. The results from this small trial have shown that P 11-4 can indeed reverse the damage and regenerate the tooth tissue.

"The results of our tests so far are extremely promising," said Professor Paul Brunton, who is overseeing the patient testing at the University of Leeds Dental Institute. "If these results can be repeated on a larger patient group, then I have no doubt whatsoever that in two to three years time this technique will be available for dentists to use in their daily practice."

"The main reason that people don't go to the dentist regularly is fear. If we can offer a treatment that is completely non-invasive, that doesn't involve a mechanical drill, then we can change that perceived link between dental treatment and pain. This really is more than filling without drilling, this is a novel approach that enables the patients to keep their natural teeth!"

The study is being funded by credentis ag who have licensed the technology and are preparing to introduce P11-4 to dentists worldwide.

Source - University of Leeds

Regenerative Dentistry Getting Closer

It's seems just a matter of time before current reconstructive techniques like dental implants are replaced with more natural regenerative procedures. The first ever international conference on Dental and Craniofacial Stem Cells will take place April 2011, at the New York Academy of Sciences in New York CIty.  The conference will be an assembly of many of the world’s most prominent scientists in the field of dental and craniofacial stem cells. 

Dr. Jeremy Mao of Columbia University is one of the pioneers of regrowing teeth using stem cells. “The teeth and the face harbor stem cells, just like virtually all other regions of the body; however, stem cells from the teeth and the face have special properties that make them unusual, if not unique, in some cases,” said Dr. Mao. “Dentistry is undergoing a transformation from restorative, such as drilling and filling, to regenerative. This conference represents the first dedicated gathering of stake holders from the scientific community, industry, and government officials who fund and regulate regenerative technologies.”

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EvoraPlus Probiotic Prevents Receding Gums and Whitens Teeth

ONI BioPharma has released a new product called EvoraPlus. Its is a probiotic mint that supports gum and tooth health by killing off the bad bacteria that causes gum disease. The key probiotic ingredient is called Probiora3 and it has the side effect of releasing hydrogen peroxide as a normal by-product that whitens teeth.

These natural resident beneficial bacteria of very healthy mouths set up a “base camp” in the mouth which crowd out the problematic, harmful bacteria.

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LANAP - Laser Treatment for Gum Disease

LANAP stands for Laser-assisted new attachment procedure. Its an effective treatment of periodontitis through regeneration by a laser rather than resection. Treatments for gum disease used to involve painful surgery and stitches. It's an experience that most people say they would never do again.

LANAP is performed using a laser called The PerioLase. In the hands of a skilled specially trained periodontist, lasers are very safe. In fact the primary safety factor used during laser treatment is proper protective eye wear. Dental lasers are gentle enough to treat the delicate tissues of the mouth. In addition, the controlled heat and light of the laser destroys many bacteria and viruses in the mouth and inside periodontal pockets.

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Regenerating Gums

Receding gums that expose the root surfaces of teeth is a common condition in adults over the age of 40 but may also start in teens. Currently most people focus on preventing periodontitis which is the main cause.

Treatments for already receded gums remain tricky however there is drug called Periostat that inhibits gum disease while allowing the gums to reattach to teeth. Guided tissue gum regeneration and gum grafts are both becoming more popular. Developing stem treatments for regenerating gums are well underway and have been successful in mice.

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Growing New Teeth With Stem Cells - Odontis

In 2004 scientists at King's College London set up a company called Odontis. They have been working on developing human teeth from stem cells. This biological replacement tooth has been trademarked as BioTooth.

The idea is to take adult stem cells, treat them in a cell culture so they would be programmed to develop into teeth and then transplanted into the patients jaw where the gap is. Then a replacement tooth grows just as happens when humans grow their original adult teeth. It is thought it would then take two to three months for the tooth to fully develop. The cost should not be more than existing treatments making it an attractive alternative to other technologies such as implants and dentures.

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