Stem Cells Enable Jaw Regeneration

Researchers at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry have found a new way to regenerate a patient’s jawbone through the use of stem cells. Speaking of this effort, Anthony Atla, M.D., editor-in-chief of Stem Cells Translational Medicine, said, “As the first report to describe a cell therapy for craniofacial trauma reconstruction, this research serves as the foundation for expanded studies using this approach.”

The patient was a woman who, as a result of a blow to the face five years previously, lost seven front teeth along with 75% of the bone that had once supported them.

As Donna Domino, features writer for Dr.Bicuspid.com explained, the researchers used a mixed population of bone marrow-derived autologous stem and progenitor cells that they seeded onto β-tricalcium phosphate. When they placed this into the defective area of the patient’s mouth it served as a scaffold to deliver cells directly to the defect.

Four months after cell therapy the researchers found that 80% of the patient’s missing jawbone had regenerated. This allowed surgeons to place oral implants in her jaw that supported a dental prosthesis. The patient ended up with a complete set of teeth again.

Sharon Aronovich, DMD, clinical assistant professor of dentistry in the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery at UM School of Dentistry, said to Domino, “I am very grateful to all the patients and researchers that participated in this study. Thanks to everyone’s efforts, we are one step closer to providing patients with a minimally invasive option for implant-based tooth replacement.”