### New Dental Treatment: Tissue Regeneration Scientists are working on an innovative dental treatment called tissue regeneration that could potentially replace the traditional root canal procedure. This research is being conducted by the ADA Forsyth Institute and has been published in The Journal of Dental Research. #### Why is This Important? When the dental pulp inside a tooth becomes inflamed or infected due to cavities or injury, a root canal is usually performed. This involves removing the pulp and nerve, cleaning the root canal, and then filling and sealing it. While effective, root canals can be uncomfortable and may lead to complications such as infection or tooth fracture. #### The New Approach The Forsyth researchers are exploring the use of a molecule called Resolvin E1, which is naturally produced by the body and helps control inflammation. In their studies, Resolvin E1 has shown the ability to regenerate dental pulp and reduce infection and inflammation. This could make the treatment more comfortable and less prone to complications compared to traditional root canals. #### Broader Implications According to Dr. Thomas Van Dyke, a senior scientist at ADA Forsyth, this technology has significant potential beyond dental applications. Resolvin E1 promotes the formation of stem cells that can differentiate into various types of tissues, such as dentin (tooth), bone, cartilage, or fat. This means it could also be used to grow bones and other tissues in different parts of the body, making it a promising advancement in the field of regenerative medicine.