Tooth Regeneration

Kaitlin Bramhall

American alligators have similar tooth structure to humans

They can regrow teeth up to 50 times! How can scientists mimic this for humans?

Background

Dr. Rena D’Souza has studied using stem cells from wisdom and baby teeth to regrow teeth pulp

Ping Wu and his team are trying to replicate how alligators regrow their teeth

Studies…

PNAS Journal - Ping Wu

Regenerating tooth pulp can put an end to root canal procedures

Possible full tooth replacement, ending dental implants

Could lead to more bone and tissue regeneration

Benefits

50% of Americans have a cavity that can lead to a root canal by the age of 15

Root Canals

Pain LevelAge

Mild Severe Intense Unbearable

18-20 11.8% 18.2% 50.0% 0%21-30 29.4% 18.2% 33.3% 33.3%31-40 29.4% 31.8% 16.7% 66.7%41-50 17.6% 31.8% 0% 0%51-60 5.9% 0% 0% 0%

Dental Implants: Painful Expensive Lots of risks

Tooth Replacement

Cosmetic Dentistry of SD

The possibilities are endless!!

D’Souza, Dr. Rena. The Wall Street Journal. 2 July 2013. University of Utah’s School of Dental Medicine. http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/07/02/no-more-root- canals-scientists-aim-to-regrow-teeth-using-stem-cells/ (10 Nov. 2013).

 Jafarzadeh, Hamid and Christopher Udoye. “Pain during root canal treatment: an Investigation of Patient Modifying Factors.” The Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice. July 2011. 302-304.

Wu, Ping. “Specialized stem cell niche enables repetitive renewal of alligator teeth.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Science of the United States of America.28 March 2013.

Works Cited