Regenerated Teeth: the Future of Tooth Replacement?

Abstract

Despite the considerable progress of dental treatment and tooth decay prevention, elderly people frequently encounter the problem of tooth loss, affecting their quality of life. Restorative prosthetics in the form of implants provide a common solution to this problem. Dental implant technology for tooth replacement was used in several ancient civilizations. Indeed, dental implants dating from 2500 BC were found in Egypt, and tooth replacement was documented from the Mayan culture in 600 AD [1] Dental implants are still used today for the functional replacement of missing teeth. However, despite their long history, there are several limitations in functionality and longevity of the implants. Indeed, dental implants cannot represent the ideal solution for tooth replacement since the physiology and plasticity of naturally formed teeth is not respected. The tooth interacts actively with the alveolar bone through the periodontal ligament (PDL). The mechanical stress during mastication is supported and modulated by this highly specialized tissue that occupies the space between the tooth root and the alveolar bone. PDL is not formed around dental implants, making the bone tissue vulnerable when excessive forces are applied during mastication [2]. Alternative strategies are being tested to create a functional biocompatible type of replacement for dental implants and efforts are being made to regenerate parts or even the entire tooth organ.