Scientists find the way to restore human teeth using 3D printing

Researchers from Oregon Health and Science University have developed a revolutionary method of regenerating human teeth using additive technologies. 3D printing allows them to grow the vascular bed of a tooth, encouraging its full restoration.

Modern treatment of root canals is based on removing an inflamed pulp, cleaning and stopping. Unfortunately, the tooth starts disintegrating fast after this procedure and eventually the patient should get a crownwork on its place.

American scientists have found the way to recover the teeth and protect it from further destruction. They offer the following treatment steps:

• to debride the tooth in a common way: remove the inflamed pulp and clean the canal;
• to create the agarose polymeric fiber using 3D bio printing;
• to put the fiber into the canal and fill empty spaces with hydrogel including pulp cells;
• to remove the fiber and introduce endothelial cells into appeared micro cannels.

Just in three weeks after this operation, artificial vessels will form inside the tooth, leading to the regeneration process and providing reliable protection from destruction.

Project founders believe that their solution will turn the tide of dentistry, as dental care can become much more efficient now.