Scientists from Harvard University have come up with a way to regrow parts of teeth using low-powered laser technology. Instead of replacing damaged teeth with synthetic material, this new technology might make it possible to grow a new tooth.

Scientists from Harvard University have come up with a way to regrow parts of teeth using low-powered laser technology.

Instead of replacing damaged teeth with synthetic material, this new technology might make it possible to grow a new tooth.

Results of the study show that the scientists were able to grow dentin, which is the bone-like stem cell that makes up most of the tooth, by inducing a reactive oxygen species of molecule with the lasers.

Harvard University bioengineering professor David Mooney is quoted as saying: “Our treatment modality does not introduce anything new to the body, and lasers are routinely used in medicine and dentistry, so the barriers to clinical translation are low.”

Although a high-powered laser could destroy teeth, previous studies have suggested that low intensity lasers can stimulate the growth of skin or hair, and now teeth can be added to the list of body parts that might be able to be regenerated by lasers.

Since the study proved that the technique was effective on rodents, human trials are the next step towards replacing painful dental procedures like root canals with laser technology, and the scientists are hoping that clinical trials will soon be approved.