San Francisco Dentist Follows Stem Cell Research Regarding Craniofacial Tissue Renewal

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Case results published in the journal Cell Transplantation revealed that human craniofacial tissues regenerate faster using stem cells than with traditional bone regeneration therapy.

San Francisco dentist Dr. Greg Larson awaits the benefits this research has in store for restorative dentistry treatments.

The University of Michigan School of Dentistry, the Michigan Center for Oral Health Research and Aastrom Biosciences, Inc. in Ann Arbor, Mich., performed research in a dual effort. Clinical trials included 24 participants needing jawbone reconstruction following tooth extraction. Researchers prescribed some participants bone regeneration therapy, while others received ixmyelocel-T cells, developed by Aastrom Biosciences.

Aastrom researchers used the bone marrow of participants to create a variety of cell types, including stem cells that would later be implanted into their mouths and jaws.

"Patients who received tissue repair cells achieved greater bone density and quicker bone renewal and required less bone grafting during implant procedures when compared to those who underwent traditional guided bone regeneration therapy," according to the U-M press release.

U-M School of Dentistry Assistant Professor Darnell Kaigler says the regenerated bone will provide dentists with a stronger foundation when using dental implants. By replacing missing teeth with dental implants, dentists like Larson can improve a patient's ability to eat, speak and smile normally.

Kaigler, also the principal investigator on the project, added that another benefit of this treatment method is that patients can renew tissues using their own cells, as opposed to exposing their bodies to foreign cells.

"The treatment achieves the best results when used for major abnormalities since they often involve a variety of tissue types," according to the press release.

Stem cell therapies are still not ready for mass use; they require further clinical trials utilizing a larger group of participants, Kaigler says.

Larson will continue to stay current with this innovative study since stem cell therapies have the potential to affect dentistry in many beneficial ways.

The San Francisco cosmetic dentistry provider also treats patients in surrounding areas including Berkley, Walnut Creek and San Rafael.

Learn More
To learn more about Larson Dentistry, visit www.larsondentistry.com or contact their office at 415-397-2804.

About Us
The Larson Dentistry team offers extensive dental care for San Francisco patients. Dr. Greg Larson stays current in his field by attending more than 200 hours of continuing education each year and mentoring other dentists worldwide.

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