Stem Cell Technique Could Help Kids Avoid Root Canal

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No complications ensued, and the only observed side effect was a narrowing -- in some instances severe -- of the root canal space.

Huang and his colleagues concluded that their findings "strongly suggest a paradigm shift" in treatment of immature adult teeth, with an emphasis placed on encouraging a natural regenerative tissue process rather than getting in the way by using artificial filler materials.

In the future, these types of techniques might even help in the treatment of adults' teeth.

"Of course, more research is needed to further improve the treatment by making it more predictable and laying down more detailed criteria for selecting those cases that have the highest chance to become successful," said Huang. "But clearly, this brings out greater awareness of the possible importance of stem cells for extensive clinical applications in the future."

Dr. Jim Crall, chairman of pediatric dentistry at the University of California, Los Angeles, was cautiously enthusiastic about the new approach.

"It's clearly quite premature to suggest that you abandon root canals in these cases," Crall said. "And, obviously, more studies are needed to determine the parameters or contraindications of this procedure and to ensure a process for following the patient long-term. But, certainly, this is exciting and suggests great potential."

In a related study, a multi-national research team successfully regenerated tooth root and supporting periodontal ligaments to restore tooth function in an animal model. The breakthrough holds promise for clinical application in human patients, said the researchers, headed by Dr. Songtao Shi at the University of Southern California School of Dentistry.

Using stem cells taken from extracted wisdom teeth of 18- to 20-year-olds, the researchers created enough root and ligament structure to support a crown restoration in their animal model. The resulting tooth restoration closely resembled the original tooth in function and strength.

Shi said the hope is the research could one day benefit dental patients who are not appropriate candidates for dental implant therapy or would prefer living tissue derived from their own teeth.

The findings are published in the Dec. 20 inaugural issue of PLoS ONE.

More information

For additional information on periodontal disease, visit the American Academy of Periodontology.