REPARATIVE MECHAN ISM IN TEETH UNCOVEREDResearchers at Inserm and Paris Descartes University have discovered a mechanism of self-repair existing in the pulps of rodent teeth. This discovery could make it possible in the future to treat carious (decayed) teeth in a way never before available.The pulp of both mammalian and rodent teeth is composed of blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. Recently discovered tooth stem cells in the pulp are activated by caries and work at repairing the pulp andtooth structure. The mechanism used by the stem cells is unknown at this time.Neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin activate the stem cells, but the researchers were unable to understand in the past what activated the release of the neurotransmitters. The research at Paris Descartes University discovered that blood platelets in the pulp release a large amount of serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters which them activate the stem cells to repair the tooth. Dentists often use pulp-capping chemicals, such as calcium hydroxide and tricalcium phosphate-based materials to repair injuries to the pulp of the teeth. This new research, if duplicated in human teeth, could lead to even more effective methods of rescuing damaged teeth.An article on this research in Science Daily online can be read by clicking here.At Clark Family Dental, we have been using pulp-capping materials for decades, and are excited with the prospect of the development of even more effective treatments for decay-injured teeth. We care about your health.