Newsweek reports scientists from the University of Nottingham and Harvard University are developing regenerative dental fillings that “allow teeth to heal themselves,” which could ultimately make some root canals unnecessary. The treatment works by “stimulating stem cells to encourage the growth of dentin—the bony material that makes up the majority of the tooth—allowing patients to effectively regrow teeth that are damaged through dental disease.” This represents a “significant step forward” from current methods used to treat cavities. The researchers hope to work with industry partners to make the treatment “available for dental patients as an alternative to traditional fillings.”
CNET News (7/4, Healey) adds that the research “picked up second prize in the materials category of the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Emerging Technologies Competition 2016.”
Engadget (7/3, Fingas) also covers this story.
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