The Number One Way to Grow Teeth Through Stem Cells?

At Hamlin Dental Group, we're known throughout Southern California as the experts in gentle dentistry - that's why our patients come from far and wide to experience our conservative approach. In fact, our blend of exceptional skill and warm, friendly atmosphere make us the premier dentist in Northridge and Van Nuys for kids, teens, adults and seniors alike.

While we provide impeccable general and cosmetic dental procedures for a variety of patient needs, there are some individuals whose dental issues are far beyond what can be accomplished by modern dentistry. However, that may soon be changing thanks to the work of Chinese Duanqing Pei and his researchers at the Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health.Working with some other Chinese universities, The Medical News Today reports that Pei's team has found that stem cells derived from urine can be utilized to generate solid organs and tissues - including teeth.

Published in the open-access journal Cell Regeneration, the study shows that cells discarded with urea can become induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) that can then be coaxed into tiny structures that resemble teeth. They system mimics normal tooth development, which results from an interaction between two different cell types - epithelial cells that produce enamel, and mesenchymal cells, which generate the other three main tooth components of dentin, cementum and pulp.

Though the studies are still in very early stages, utilizing mouse cells instead of those of humans, the researchers believe human cells could be utilized in much the same way. This would mean that a tooth cultured in a jar could then be transplanted into the jawbone of a human patient form a fully functional tooth.

Hamlin Dental Group - the most trusted dentist in North Hollywood - might not be able to regenerate teeth from stem cells, but we're just fine with that! We're proud to simply provide our patients with the best treatment available when they require general or cosmetic dentistry procedures. To book an appointment, contact us today!

One Woman's Sinus Pain was due to a Dental Mishap...but Fortunately, Hamlin "Nose" Dentistry!

At Hamlin Dental Group, our patients love the gentle, conservative approach that has made us the premier dental facility throughout the San Fernando Valley. Indeed, families know that when they come to our facilities, they'll find a dental team that is ideal for kids, teens, adults and seniors, whether they're looking for a simple check-up or a rejuvenating cosmetic procedure.

Speaking of cosmetic dentistry, the importance of our dentist in North Hollywood was reinforced yet again, recently, with the NBC News story of a woman who could have certainly benefited from our exquisite abilities. The story was of a 57-year-old woman in Italy who went to the doctor with inflamed sinuses and facial pain due to a rather unusual diagnosis - a dental implant in the sinus. 

The woman underwent oral surgery about two years earlier, at which point a 2-centimeter long metal screw was installed into her upper jaw. However, an inspection revealed the screw was no longer there. A CT scan finally revealed the placement of her implant...in her left sinus cavity! After surgery was performed to remove the dental implant, the woman's sinus symptoms disappeared completely. I guess those symptoms could be considered an allergy to poor dentistry!

Fortunately, the woman's sinuses are clear today, and she feels much better in general...however, it should go without saying that the issue could have been avoided completely with our world-class dentist in Van Nuys. Remember, for nearly any general or cosmetic dentistry need, Hamlin Dental Group is always the gentle dental team that provides sensational results! For a consultation, contact us today!