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An Edmonton researcher is hoping a combination of ultrasound and stem cells will help fix root damage caused by braces.

With so many people getting braces — and most facing root degeneration as a result — an orthodontist and researcher at the University of Alberta hopes a $1 million U.S. grant will prove ultrasound combined with stem cells will help people re-grow the roots and heal their teeth.

"Almost all patients who have braces, they get variable rates of degeneration," Tarek El-Bialy said, estimating that 20 to 30 per cent of people with braces get severe root damage caused when their teeth move substantially. Another three to five per cent actually lose some teeth. "Most orthodontists don't know how much it can happen."

Ten years ago, El-Bialy proved that aiming ultrasound waves at damaged teeth and already-shortened roots stimulates cells to produce more dentine and prevents further damage. High frequency sound waves are normally used for diagnostic imaging or during physiotherapy treatment to stimulate healing.

Now with the grant, El-Bialy will see if treating teeth with both ultrasound and stem cells found in gums can actually stimulate the teeth to regenerate and grow back long roots.

He will be testing the new treatment on beagles whose teeth are the most similar to humans.

"I would think we would get, if not full regeneration, we will get partial regeneration," El-Bialy said.

Source: The Edmonton Journal