Over the last five years scientists at King’s College London have been investigating a method of stimulating natural tooth repair by activating cells in the tooth to make new dentine. In a paper published today (March 11, 2020) in the Journal of Dental Research, they have found further positive evidence that the method has the potential to be translated into a direct clinical approach.
When teeth suffer damage either by decay or trauma, there are three layers that may be affected:
- the outer enamel,
- dentine, the middle part that shields the vital part of the tooth, and
- the inner part of the tooth; the soft dental pulp.
Previous research has found that the drug Tideglusib could help protect the inner layer by stimulating the production of the middle layer (dentine), allowing the tooth to repair itself.
To continue testing the viability of this approach for use in patients, the research team have now looked at whether the volume of reparative dentine produced is sufficient to repair cavities found in human teeth. They also investigated the range (and hence safety) of the drug used, and whether the mineral composition of the reparative dentine sufficiently is similar to normal dentine to maintain the strength of the tooth.
Led by Professor Paul Sharpe, Dickinson Professor of Craniofacial Biology, the results of this study show further evidence that the method could be successfully translated into clinical practice. They discovered that the repair area is highly restricted to pulp cells in the immediate location of the damage and the root pulp is not affected. They also found that the mineral composition of the area of repair was significantly different to that of bone, and more similar to normal dentine.
In addition, they found the drug can activate repair an area of dentine damage up to ten times larger, mimicking the size of small lesions in humans.
“In the last few years we showed that we can stimulate natural tooth repair by activating resident tooth stem cells. This approach is simple and cost-effective. The latest results show further evidence of clinical viability and bring us another step closer to natural tooth repair,” said Professor Sharpe Paul Sharpe, Director of the Centre of Craniofacial & Regenerative Biology at King’s College London.
Human trials or treatments for this research are not anticipated to begin at this stage. They are not currently seeking volunteers and are unable to offer this treatment at present. For current questions regarding dental work, they suggest you contact your local Dentist.
Reference: Journal of Dental Research.
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12 Comments
Does anyone know of clinical trials in the Washington, DC area being conducted now or planned for the near future? I would appreciate guidance on locating such clinical trials.I don’t want the toxicity of dental implants in my system.
Thanks,Robert
He’s a liar, as are all dentists. Avoid at all costs.
Dear sir, I hope you soon will get informed. In my opinion, it is about time to find a way to break free from the established but ongoing dental pratice all over the world (as far as I know).
Pipe dream. Sharpe has been saying this for years. Too much money drilling, pulling people’s teeth out, capping healthy teeth and ruining their lives. Sharpe is a quack.
There is a special place in hell reserved for dentists with vested interest in keeping the brutal rip off present dental heirachy going by engaging in ad hominem attacks of their brilliant colleagues
Sar please is dawa ko banvane ki kosis karo
please sir jldi medicine bnaye bohut log bohut zayda preshan h depression m h teeth ko lekr plz sir sbki help kijiye plz sir i requst you plz jldi medicine supply kre sbki helps kre plz plz sir
The western, capitalist dental industry must be replaced with bio medical dentistry!
We must become pro active instead of reactive to our medical needs in all aspects. Body and mind. There are alternatives to this abuse we are dealing with and it must change.
What are the alternatives?
The alternative is to stop poisoning the people. Stop the use of chemicals. Go back to nature. We are the dumbest species on this planet thanks to our “leaders”. Every other living thing can survive in nature but we can’t? The need for “power” and the money-hungry greed are the problem. They are not the solution. Stop giving them your money. Rinse your mouth with salt water after you eat and you won’t need a dentist.
Dentist costs are too high, and dental care is widely needed. For some, getting cosmetic dental care would be life-changing. Our public health care services and all insurances should, but doesn’t, cover this important aspect of dental care. My life, for example, would benefit greatly from having healthy teeth. The whole system is so inadequate.
Why do dentists pretend like pain doesn’t exist anymore?