A team of researchers from the University of Alberta has created technology to regrow teeth. Using low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS), Dr Tarak El-Bialy from the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry together with Dr Jie Chen and Dr Ying Tsui from the Faculty of Engineering have created a miniaturised system-on-a-chip that offers a non-invasive and novel way to stimulate jaw growth and dental tissue healing.

The wireless design of the ultrasound transducer means the miniscule device will be able to fit comfortably inside a patient's mouth while packed in biocompatible materials. The unit will be easily mounted on an orthodontic or “braces” bracket or even a plastic removable crown.

The team also designed an energy sensor that will ensure the LIPUS power is reaching the target area of the teeth roots within the bone. Currently, the research team is finishing the system-on-a-chip and hopes to complete the miniaturised device by next year.

“If the root is broken, it can now be fixed,” said Dr El-Bialy. “And because we can regrow the teeth root, a patient could have his own tooth rather than foreign objects in his mouth.”

The device is aimed at those experiencing dental root resorption, a common effect of mechanical or chemical injury to dental tissue caused by diseases and endocrine disturbances. Mechanical injury from wearing orthodontic braces causes progressive root resorption, limiting the duration that braces can be worn. This new device will work to counteract the destructive resorptive process while allowing for the continued wearing of corrective braces.

In a true tale of interdisciplinary work, Dr El-Bialy met Dr Chen at the University of Alberta's new staff orientation. After hearing about Chen's expertise in nanoscale circuit design and nano-biotechnology, El-Bialy explained his own research and asked if Chen might be able to help produce a tiny ultrasound device to fit in a patient's mouth. The two collaborated and eventually along with Tsui received a grant from NSERC's “Idea to Innovation,” program to expand on their prototype.

The researchers are currently working on turning their prototype into a market-ready model and expect the device to be ready for the public within the next two years.