Can a Dead Tooth Be Reversed?
Dr. Andre Eliasian is a Dentist practicing in Glendale, CA. Dr. Eliasian specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases and conditions associated with the mouth and overall dental health. Dentists are trained to carry out such treatment as professional cleaning, restorative, prosthodontic, and endodontic procedures,... more
When the dental pulp becomes infected or injured and unable to repair itself, the tooth will die. The most common reasons for dental pulp death are a deep cavity, a cracked tooth, and a physical trauma to the tooth. The procedures for a tooth extraction and root canal treatment are useful in treating the dead tooth condition. During a tooth extraction, the tooth will be removed permanently and through another procedure a replacement will be placed. Regarding the root canal treatment, the tooth will not be removed from the mouth.
Even though the root canal treatment has a high success rate, it does however, leave the dead tooth in the mouth. Although with advances in the dental field, scientists are leading the development of a nano-sized dental film that may bring the diseased tooth back to normal functioning. They are working on a substance known as a melanocyte-stimulating hormone, also known as alpha-MSH, that contains anti-inflammatory properties. With the use of this extensively used polymer, it can develop a material that fights inflammation in cells in the dental pulp. Nano-films which contain alpha-MSH can help in rebuilding the damaged tooth and even lessen the requirement for a root canal treatment. If this proves to be successful, this can be beneficial for many dental patients in the future. Read More.
