Stem cells to regenerate teeth.

A recently published study has used stem cells from miniature pigs to grow tooth roots. The biologically engineered roots were transplanted into other miniature pigs. To compare the outcome of the biologically engineered roots to that of dental implants, titanium implants were inserted in the same animals. After 3 months from the date the implants were placed the teeth were fitted with crowns. When the outcome of the implants and bio roots were compared, it was found that while all dental implants were successful only 22% of the bio roots were.