Regenerative tooth filling could make root canal obsolete

Using stem cells, dentists may one day employ tooth filling that can regenerate infected tissue within a tooth and alleviate the need for root canals.Image INQUIRER.net

Root canal is among the most dreaded experiences on this planet. It’s probably right next to getting eaten alive by a rampaging T-rex or having an alien burst out of the chest cavity.

Engadget reports that researchers may have a found a way to use stem cells in tooth filling to help in regenerating a tooth’s damaged tissue. This could possibly eliminate the need for a root canal, which generally empties the tooth of infected tissue, thereby greatly weakening it.

Unfortunately, a polished procedure will not be around for some time, but its potential for future dental procedures could save a lot of money for patients as well as a lot of pain and agony. Alfred Bayle