Researchers Find New Method to Replace Teeth

Unfortunately, a large percentage of the world’s population will face tooth loss aside from the natural shedding of baby teeth.

This can occur as a result of injury, illness, decay, or infection.

Whatever the reason might be, there are typically efforts made to fill the gap in the tooth line. Dentists rely on implants, which are set in the jaw done, to hold the artificial replacements.

This procedure has been very successful, but would often require that the jaw bone be built up surgically, due to loss of mass after the tooth was removed.

When the tooth falls free, the jaw bone immediately begins to shrink, making it impossible for the bone to support the surgical implant without the assistance of artificial aids.

Researchers at the Sahlgrenska Academy at the Univerty of Gothenburg, Sweden have discovered a potential game changer.

Using a brace, the researchers were able to move the existing teeth of dogs into the area of limited jaw volume. With the old opening filled, dentists could fill the new gap with an implant.

Though some jaw bone size loss was noted, it was not nearly as substantial as what was seen in the areas where tooth loss occurred for other reasons.

The bone was still strong enough to support the implant without the need for further surgery.

Minor amounts of root resorption (damage to the existing root structure) was noted in the teeth moved by the braces, but it was not serious enough to causing lasting issues and had partially repaired itself at the one year follow-up.

For more information on these findings, read the full article.