Dental implants are the best way to replace missing teeth for those who want a permanent solution. Thanks to advancements in oral surgery, the procedure is less invasive than ever, and it’s only going to get better in the years to come. In fact, it may eventually be possible to replace missing teeth using stem cells instead of titanium roots and ceramic crowns. If that sounds intriguing, here’s what you should know about the latest stem cell research on regenerating adult teeth. 

How the Procedure Might Work 

Research indicates that replacing missing teeth using stem cells could be a fairly simple procedure. It would likely start by inserting a scaffolding of sorts in the space where the tooth was located. The body's own stem cells would then be activated using a low-power laser and directed toward the structure. Once these cells have colonized it, they could regenerate a new tooth in the existing socket and then integrate with the surrounding tissue.

Why the Procedure Has Dentistry Excited

Because the stem cell procedure would grow teeth directly in the mouth, there would be no need for an invasive implantation surgery at any point. In past experiments, scientists have grown teeth in petri dishes, but the scaffolding approach eliminates the need to do so. And in the most recent experiments, an anatomically complete tooth took just nine weeks to grow. The current dental implant procedure can take months from start to finish because the gums have to heal between stages as the implant integrates with the jawbone.

For the time being, replacing missing teeth with traditional dental implants is a reliable method that yields highly successful and natural-looking results. It’s exciting to consider what will be possible as science advances even as dentists make smiles easier for patients today.

Bradley M. Stewart, DMD can't offer stem cell regeneration quite yet, but he is dedicated to staying up to date on all the latest advancements in the field of dentistry. Practicing out of Olive Branch, MS, this friendly family dentist has been providing comprehensive oral health care for more than 15 years. Whether you need a simple teeth cleaning or dental implants, you can count on Dr. Stewart for quality and attentive care. To learn more about the insurers his practice works with, visit his website. To schedule an appointment, call (662) 893-5800.