Regenerating Tooth Nerves: An Healthy Alternative to Root Canal Treatment

Researcher in New Jersey is developing a first-of-its-kind materials-based therapy that will regrow lost tooth pulp by triggering the body to regenerate it.

The US national institute of health has offered a $3 million grant for the project. The goal is to offer people a healthier, holistic alternative to root canal treatment for ailing, inflamed tooth nerves.

A root canal procedure removes the nerve tissue inside of a tooth leaving a shell that is filled with inert materials including rubber and cement. Teeth that have had root canals therapy are more vulnerable to cracking and are more prone to infections and breaking in the future

Vivek Kumar (left) and Emi Shimizu and Carla Cugini of the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine are developing an alternative biological remedy to conventional root canals.

The goal is to come up with materials that encourage the nerve to heal itself and the tooth around it. The researchers are hopeful they will be able to help children’s permanent teeth heal and avoid having to kill the nerve. The young tooth will be able to continue growing.

The researchers have made significant progress with a hydrogel containing biocompatible amino acids and peptides that can grow into fibers.

The hydrogel therapy has anti-microbial effects and imitates the bodies growth factors that promote tissue healing and regeneration of the tooth and nerve

Early testing of the hydrogel containing an anti-microbial peptide and developmental biological signals show promising results in regrowing living tissue.

A different group of researchers is using stem cells collected from the patient. The goal is to use stem cells directly in the root canal to deliver biological signals that will direct new tissue growth, regenerating a new healthy nerve.

The regenerative root canal research gives hope to those looking for more natural and holistic dental treatment. The ability to avoid root canal therapy and heal teeth that would traditionally require root canal therapy is an advancement that appears to be on the horizon.