Growing teeth: Researchers regenerate dental tissue

December 5, 2018 · Morgan Zalot

Temple researchers are developing a promising alternative to traditional root canal treatment through dental tissue regeneration. Associate Professor of Endodontology Maobin Yang and Professor Peter Lelkes, chair of Bioengineering, have spent three years collaborating on a project using dental stem cells to restore the pulp tissue and dentin that comprise a tooth's interior.

Yang explained that when dentin decay occurs naturally, the pulp can repair it independently. However, infected pulp requires extraction, leaving an empty root canal filled with inert material. He sought a better solution through stem cell regeneration paired with a specialized scaffold. The challenge involved controlling where tissues would develop — requiring structural guidance that Lelkes contributed, designing a two-sided scaffold directing stem cell differentiation into both pulp and dentin tissues.

The researchers recently published findings in Tissue Engineering demonstrating their system's effectiveness in laboratory conditions. Yang expressed optimism: "Within the next decade, root canal patients could receive regrown nerve and blood vessel treatments instead of inert material." The team's next phase involves testing in animal models before potential clinical applications.