Stem Cells: How They Are Changing Your Dental Treatment

So much of what people used to fear about dental treatment is no longer an issue. Drills are less painful, and some procedures are now drill-less. Your dentist can use a laser in some instances to remove decay. Missing teeth can now be replaced by implants, and even root canals are almost painless. Now when you go to your dentist, you should also ask about stem cell procedures that are making dentistry even better for patients. 

Root Canal

A root canal becomes necessary when the root of a tooth becomes damaged, requiring that the tooth pulp be removed and the tooth filled and capped. In the past, the procedure was quite painful and frightening for some patients. In recent years, the procedure has become almost painless. In the next few years, root canals may become obsolete. A new process that uses stem cells can regrow the dentin in your tooth, effectively letting the tooth heal itself. Although this procedure is still being studied, it has great promise for your dental treatment in the near future. In the meantime, your dentist can still save your inflamed tooth by performing a root canal and using a crown to seal the tooth. 

Gums

Stem cells are already being used in clinical trials to help repair damage to teeth, but in the relatively near future, you will be able to have your gums repaired by stem cells as well. Periodontal disease is responsible for many dental ills, including red and bleeding gums. When it becomes extreme, it can cause teeth to become misaligned and even to fall out. Gum disease has also been linked to serious heart issues, causing life-threatening infections. Dentists may soon be able to inject stem cells into your diseased gums to repair the damage. In fact, stem cells may be able to regrow gum tissue, periodontal ligaments, and even the teeth roots or cementum. In the meantime, you can take steps to keep your gums as healthy as possible by regular checkups, flossing, and tooth brushing. 

Stem cells treatments are about to totally revolutionize dental care. You may never have to have a root canal again, and your dentist may be able to heal all serious dental decay. Losing your teeth should become a rarity. Currently, your dentist can provide nearly painless treatments and use sophisticated implants to save your teeth. This generation already has advanced dental care options available to it. Formore information about your treatment options, check out websites like http://www.kcgordondental.com.