Methods for treating dental conditions using tissue scaffolds

Patent Number: 7,309,232

This patent covers a method of forming new dentin (the calcified tissue of the body of the tooth, underneath the enamel) in teeth through administration of a tissue scaffold which stem cells can grow on and regenerate the dentin. Some of the stem cells covered include stem cells from the dental pulp. Indeed it is quite interesting since these tooth derived stem cells have been shown to also be useful in treatment of myocardial infarction

The patent covers various types of scaffolds for this use including those made of PLLA, PDLLA, PGA and PLGA. Additionally, specific morphogenic proteins useful for accelerating the regeneration of the dentin are also covered, as well as cements, casing, and gels.

View this patent on the USPTO website.