A research study has found that stem cells can be used for less invasive and more expedient bone regeneration than what is currently available in the medical field. Scientists at the University of Michigan, School of Dentistry and the Michigan Center for Oral Health Research, partnered with Ann Arbor-based Aastrom Biosciences Inc. Their clinical…
A research study has found that stem cells can be used for less invasive and more expedient bone regeneration than what is currently available in the medical field. Scientists at the University of Michigan, School of Dentistry and the Michigan Center for Oral Health Research, partnered with Ann Arbor-based Aastrom Biosciences Inc. Their clinical trial involved 24 patients who were in need of jawbone reconstruction after having teeth removed. Your Knoxville dentist, Dr. Jim Erpenbach, explains how the study might improve the future of dentistry.
Healthy Jawbones for Dental Implants
When a patient has a jawbone deficiency, implanting prosthetic teeth might not be an option for them. Implanting the titanium posts used in dental implant procedures requires healthy bone structure. If dental implants are not possible, the options for natural looking teeth are reduced. Many people aren’t aware that dental implants can actually halt further jawbone degeneration. Jawbone loss can lead to facial collapse, wherein people tend to have a more aged and sunken facial appearance.
Regenerating Jawbone Mass
Patients that participated in the study received either traditional guided bone regeneration therapy, or experimental tissue repair cells. The cells were extracted from bone marrow in participant’s hips. Aastrom, a University of Michigan spinout company, processed the bone marrow by utilizing a proprietary system that allowed cell growth, including stem cells. These cells were inserted into different areas of the jaws and mouths of half of the patients in the experiment. The results were extremely promising, since the experimental cells promoted faster regeneration than the traditional methods normally used. This new process could prove particularly valuable in future cases of birth defects or heavy trauma, where larger areas of bone growth are necessary.
Contact Your Knoxville Dentist for Dental Implant Restoration
Stem cell therapies are still at least five years away from becoming a regular part of treatment for jawbone regeneration. In the meantime, your 37919 dentist provides comprehensive dentistry, including dental implants. To schedule an appointment, contact our Knoxville dentist officeÂ?at 865-584-8630. We are happy to serve patients in West Knoxville, the Bearden area, and surrounding neighborhoods.
Â?
Â?
