Author: savannadental

2024 was a very important year for dentistry in Canada, with many milestones achieved. Among these milestones were economic boosts, the expansion of the Canadian Dental Care Plan, and strides taken towards tooth regrowth. This article provides a review of some of the most noticeable successes of 2024.

With 2024 now behind us, we can look back and review what was a significant year for Canada’s dental industry, with many milestones achieved.

Substantial research took place, with new findings, enhanced insights, and plenty of innovations. We enter 2025 with plenty of excitement and hope for the future.

In this article, we take a look at some of the biggest dental stories and successes from the last 12 months!

Canadian Dental Care Plan Progress

We start with what is surely the biggest update in Canada’s dental industry – the progress of the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP).

The CDCP is designed to provide financial support to those with a low income in order to receive dental care. Dental costs have proven prohibitive for many Canadians.

The CDCP is in full swing, and has helped over one million people to receive dental care. Moreover, the Canadian Parliament recently approved an additional allocation of $317 million to the existing $13 billion that has been earmarked for the CDCP. You can read more about this here: https://savannadentalclinic.ca/canadian-parliament-approves-further-spending-on-the-cdcp-what-impact-will-this-have/.

The CDCP continues to roll out on a gradual basis, with more and more people becoming eligible for the plan. At the time of writing, around 9 million Canadians meet eligibility requirements.

First ever fully automated dental procedure

Artificial intelligence (AI) is having an increasing impact on dentistry, and we have seen it playing a role in dental research on a mounting basis.

In July 2024, a truly historic moment in dentistry took place, with the first fully automated dental procedure on a human being completed. The procedure involved a robotic arm finishing a crown placement procedure.

The announcement was made by American AI company Perceptive. It could be a step towards fully automated dental procedures taking place in the future – though we are a long way away from that currently!

You can read more about this in a previous blog post: https://savannadentalclinic.ca/how-did-the-first-ever-fully-automated-dental-procedure-on-a-human-happen/.

Creation of Primescan 2 for cleft lips

A very common birth defect involves a condition called cleft lip. A cleft is a gap or split in the upper lip, which happens when a baby’s face does not join together properly in the womb.

In November 2024, companies Dentsply Sirona and Smile Train formed a partnership which led to the creation of a new device called Primescan 2 – which aims to aid improvements in access to care for those with a cleft lip.

Primescan 2 is the world’s first cloud-native intraoral scanner. It connects directly to the cloud, which enables easy accessibility.

Dentists are able to easily transport the device. Therefore, those in areas with problems in accessing dental care can be easily reached. The aim is to provide better healthcare for those with cleft lips that live in poorer areas and nations.

You can read more about this in a previous blog post: https://savannadentalclinic.ca/how-can-a-new-device-help-to-improve-treatment-for-cleft-lips/.

Number of dentist immigrants to Canada hits record high

There was some very positive news for dentistry in Canada. A report revealed that in 2024, a record number of dentists immigrated to Canada [1].

There were 115 dentists in total! This represented an almost six-fold increase from 2019, and provided Canadians with more skilled dentists.

Furthermore, the immigration happened through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) [1]. This is a positive sign, and shows that the PNP is working in attracting skilled workers.

With many countries, such as the United Kingdom, facing a shortage of dentists [2], having so many new dentists coming to Canada is very positive news!

Canada’s dental sector booming

The Covid-19 pandemic had a substantial effect on the dental sector, with dental clinics operating purely on emergency cases. Routine dentistry ground to a halt.

However, the Canadian dental sector has rebounded terrifically over the last 12 months. Figures show that Canada’s dental sector surpassed pre-pandemic productivity levels by $851 million [3]!

The same report suggested that approximately 13,500 job openings are projected within the sector over the next decade – suggesting that further growth is inevitable [3].

When combining this with the news of the record high number of dental immigrants – as discussed above – this reflects very well on Canada’s dental industry.

Aim of regrowing teeth

One of the biggest goals of researchers for decades has been creating the ability to regrow teeth. This year, exciting advances were made in this area.

The University of Manitoba have opened a $2.5 million research facility to explore regenerative techniques and technology. These techniques are inspired by tropical fish.

You can read more about this in a previous blog post: https://savannadentalclinic.ca/how-are-tropical-fish-inspiring-scientists-in-their-efforts-to-regrow-teeth/.

Moreover, a team of dentists from Japan are testing a potentially ground-breaking drug that aims to stimulate tooth regrowth. This is another exciting event that has happened in international dentistry.

You can read more about this in a previous blog post: https://savannadentalclinic.ca/team-of-dentists-carry-out-trials-on-regrowing-teeth-what-will-happen-next/.

Summary

Overall, there have been a range of exciting events and successes in 2024. It has certainly been a productive year, and there is plenty of hope heading into 2025!

The CDCP is due to expand further, while efforts into regenerating teeth, further AI developments, and multiple other research areas, are all areas to watch in 2025.

Thinking points…

1) We need to remember to look after our oral health throughout 2025! Remember to have excellent oral hygiene. Moreover, it is important that you attend regular dental check-ups, as these allow a dentist to take a thorough look at your oral health and look out for any problems. If there are problems, a treatment plan can be formed. We recommend booking an appointment right away!

2) Earlier in the article, we highlighted the strides taken towards regrowing teeth. Whilst this is exciting, the reality is that tooth regrowth is many years away. Therefore, if you are missing a tooth, or multiple teeth, it is worth exploring potential options. A great option could be dental implants – they look natural, provide long-lasting results, and can improve your self-esteem. Here at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental, we offer free implant consultations, find out more at our website – https://savannadentalclinic.ca/!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We provide our patients with a range of treatment options and advice, with the aim of improving oral health and boosting overall wellbeing!

We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a dental check-up. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To try and prevent problems, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly.

Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, tooth whitening and Invisalign™! Our patients find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.

In addition, the fees of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.

We would love you to visit our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca/!

References

[1] Al-Shibeeb, D. (2024). Record numbers: 2024 is the highest in five years for foreign-trained dentists immigrating to Canada. Available: https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/oral-health/record-numbers-2024-is-the-highest-in-five-years-for-foreign-trained-dentists-immigrating-to-canada-1003982878/. Last accessed: 3rd January 2025.

[2] Triggle, N. (2024). NHS dentist shortages to be tackled with cash incentive. Available: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-68171171. Last accessed: 3rd January 2025.

[3] Oral Health. (2024). Stats Canada: Dental sector surpasses pre-pandemic productivity levels by $851 million as job growth rebounds. Available: https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/oral-health/stats-canada-dental-sector-surpasses-pre-pandemic-productivity-levels-by-851-million-as-job-growth-rebounds-1003981681/. Last accessed: 3rd January 2025.

A team of dentists from Japan are testing a potentially ground-breaking drug that could enable people with missing teeth to grow new ones. This is something that researchers have been looking to achieve for decades. But now, with ongoing scientific advancements, this milestone appears to be getting closer.

One of the ultimate objectives for scientists is to one day enable people with missing teeth to grow new ones. This goal has been the subject of research for several decades.

However, owing to its complexity, a solution has not yet been found. But now, a team of Japanese dentists are testing a potentially ground-breaking drug that could hold the key to solving this ongoing problem [1].

If scientists were able to come up with a way of regrowing teeth, then this would reduce the demand for dentures and implants. Moreover, it would also represent a significant milestone in dentistry.

Missing teeth

Tooth loss is a common issue in humans. For example, research shows that approximately 180 million Americans are missing at least one tooth [2].

There are a range of potential causes of missing teeth, including extensive tooth decay, advanced gum disease, and dental trauma.

The most common treatments for a missing tooth is either dentures or implants. However, while effective, both can be costly, and have some limitations.

In an ideal world, teeth would automatically regrow when lost. But finding a way of stimulating this process has been challenging for researchers.

Third set of teeth?

Humans grow teeth in their childhood. These gradually fall out, and are eventually replaced by adult teeth, which hopefully remain in place for life.

But is it possible that a third set of teeth exist? The answer is yes, according to Katsu Takahashi, who is the Head of Oral Surgery at the Medical Research Institute at Kitano Hospital in Osaka, Japan.

Takahashi has explained that a third set of teeth exist beneath human gums [1]. He says that these are dormant buds, and remain this way for life.

The experimental drug

The experimental drug was first tested on mice and ferrets in 2023 [1]. Utilizing animal models is an important phase of drug experimentation.

The findings were promising, with the researchers publishing lab photographs of regrown animal teeth – underlining the potential of the drug [1].

The researchers said that blocking a protein called USAG-1 can trigger the development of the third set of teeth [1]. Therefore, the experimental drug works by blocking this protein.

Following animal trials, the next step involves human trials. While animals offer a good indication of how a human may react, this is not wholly reliable.

In October, Takahashi’s team began clinical trials at Kyoto University Hospital. The experimental drug was administered to participants [1].

The participants are there to test for safety at this stage, rather than effectiveness. They are adults who are missing at least one tooth [1].

When speaking about those that would be positively impacted by the drug, Takahashi mentioned those that are missing six or more permanent teeth from birth. This is a hereditary condition that affects around 0.1% of people [1].

Those with this condition face several challenges in eating, drinking, and with their oral health. Takahashi says that “this drug could be a game-changer for them” [1].

Takahashi has said that the drug is administered via injection at the desired location of the new tooth [1]. If it grows in the wrong place, he suggests it can be moved through orthodontics.

Next, the researchers will wait to see how humans react to the experimental drug, which takes the form of an antibody medicine, before deciding on further action [1].

Concerns expressed

While these updates are very exciting, some concerns have been expressed by other researchers. Chengfei Zhang, a Clinical Professor in Endodontics at the University of Hong Kong, has raised some concerns.

Zhang has acknowledged that the drug is “innovative and holds potential” [1]. However, Zhang says that the idea is “controversial” [1].

Moreover, Zhang says that the results of the animal trials raise questions “about whether regenerated teeth could functionally and aesthetically replace missing teeth” [1].

Moreover, there are concerns that the long-term impact of the development of the teeth is uncertain, and it isn’t known if the teeth would act the same way as adult teeth.

What will happen next?

The hope is that this medicine could stimulate the growth of the concealed teeth. It has positive results on animals, and it will be very interesting to see how humans react.

Takahashi has said that this is “a completely new technology” [1]. Moreover, he says that the team are hoping to make the drug available as soon as 2030.

However, significant work needs to take place before this is possible. Yet Takahashi remains confident, saying that “expectations are high”, and that the technology “can directly extend healthy life expectancy” [1].

These updates are very exciting. We will now wait to see how the trials go. Hopefully the trials will produce positive results, which could pave the way for the eventual distribution of the experimental drug.

Thinking points…

1) This update is definitely exciting, and suggests that we are edging closer to a time when teeth could actually regrow! But for now, we need to focus on the modern day, and look after our oral health. One way of doing this is to attend regular dental appointments. These appointments are helpful in ensuring that any problems are recognized and subsequently treated. We recommend booking an appointment now!

2) As discussed earlier, having a missing tooth is common. If you have a missing tooth, have you considered dental implants? Dental implants look natural, provide long term results and can improve your smile. At our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental, we offer free implant consultations! These consultations allow you to review your options – read more about this at our website – https://savannadentalclinic.ca/!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We provide our patients with a range of treatment options and advice, with the aim of improving oral health and boosting overall wellbeing!

We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a dental check-up. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To try and prevent problems, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly.

Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, tooth whitening and Invisalign™! Our patients find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.

In addition, the fees of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.

We would love you to visit our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca/!

References

[1] AFP. (2024). Japanese researchers test pioneering drug to regrow teeth. Available: https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/japanese-researchers-test-pioneering-drug-to-regrow-teeth/. Last accessed 19th December 2024.

[2] American College of Prosthodontists. (2015). Missing Teeth. Available: https://www.prosthodontics.org/assets/1/7/ACP_Talking_points_for_Missing_Teeth_1-12-15.pdf. Last accessed: 19th December 2024.

New research has led to the development of a new battery-free sensor which could have a substantial impact on oral health. The new technology, called Densor, can be worn in the mouth as a dental brace. This technology can aid understanding of our mouths to researchers by providing useful data and insights.

The human mouth holds a vast range of information about our health, including both our oral health, and overall health.

In fact, data from our mouth can help scientists significantly, and is highly sought-after. But the process of collecting data from the mouth is challenging.

However, recent research has led to the development of a new battery-free sensor that can be worn in the mouth as a dental brace [1].

This research is exciting, and could provide scientists with an enhanced understanding of the mouth, whilst improving treatment outcomes for patients.

The new technology

The research was carried out by a team from Delft University and Radboud University in the Netherlands, Europe [1]. Their findings have been published in the Proceedings of the ACM on the Interactive, Mobile, Wearable and Ubiquitous Technologies journal [1].

The researchers pointed out that using internal sensors in the mouth is challenging for safety reasons. Therefore, they wanted to find a way of adding sensors into the mouth in a safe and effective way [1].

The team found that they were able to leverage the popularity of dental braces, by adding tiny sensors into braces. This resulted in the creation of Densor [1].

Densor is a battery-free sensor, and can be worn in the mouth via a regular dental brace. Therefore, patients get the use of a regular dental brace, but with the added benefit of the sensor.

This approach presents an innovative method of gaining insights about the mouth. It can provide long-term data and information on the oral health of patients.

What are the uses and benefits of the technology?

This new technology has a range of uses. In fact, it could prove beneficial to the millions of people that wear braces on a daily basis.

One benefit is sleep monitoring. The technology is capable of monitoring breathing levels and tooth movement, which could help to diagnose sleep apnea or bruxism (teeth grinding) [1].

Then there is also the added benefit of monitoring dental wear. For example, as teeth become decayed, the technology will be able to sense this, which could help with the early identification of dental problems.

Moreover, jaw and head movements can be monitored too. This can help to monitor swallowing and drinking – which means any problems can be identified [1].

Another key benefit of the technology is that it only requires a smartphone for charging and data reading purposes [1]. Otherwise, no additional hardware is needed.

Researcher comments

This technology has the potential to be incredibly helpful. The researchers were delighted by the outcome, with the findings already proving impressive.

Przemyslaw Pawelczak, a professor at Delft University, is one of the lead authors of the research. He commented on the creation of the technology [2].

Pawelczak said that “Densor is more than just a technological innovation”, saying that instead, “it is a step toward accessible and inclusive health monitoring” [2].

Continuing, Pawelczak said that “the ability to collect real-time, long-term data in the mouth is truly innovative”, whilst opening “doors to new preventive and diagnostic possibilities in areas such as nutrition, dental wear, or acid reflux issues” [2].

The future

The creation of this technology is exciting. The findings from this phase of research should help to guide future research directions and treatments.

While this is a positive start, the researchers wish to take their work further. The researchers are currently working on expanding the technology – with the aim of adding more sensors and improving data processing [1].

These steps could help to provide even more benefits. For example, the researchers are hoping to be able to detect acid reflux, and even monitor saliva levels in the mouth [1].

With saliva being crucial in oral health, being able to monitor its levels in the mouth could be really helpful – especially in determining acidity levels and identifying those with dry mouths.

Hopefully, the research will result in a long-term improvement in treatment outcomes. The technology certainly appears to be capable of providing researchers with key information.

Thinking points…

1) This technology is very exciting, and could have a significant impact on oral health in the long run. However, for now we need to focus on practical ways of keeping our oral health strong, including brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly. Additionally, you should also attend regular dental check-ups so that any issues can be spotted and then treated. We recommend booking an appointment now!

2) As discussed, the technology is very versatile. One such use for the technology could be detecting teeth grinding while sleeping. Teeth grinding affects many people without them realizing, and can result in enamel eroding. If you grind your teeth at night, mention this to your dentist at your next check-up, as they can provide advice on this.

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We provide our patients with a range of treatment options and advice, with the aim of improving oral health and boosting overall wellbeing!

We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a dental check-up. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To try and prevent problems, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly.

Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, tooth whitening and Invisalign™! Our patients find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.

In addition, the fees of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.

We would love you to visit our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca/!

References

[1] Dsouza, V., Pronk, J., Peppelman, C., Madariaga, V. I., Pereira-Cenci, T., Loomans, B., & Pawelczak, P. (2024). Densor: An Intraoral Battery-Free Sensing Platform. Proceedings of the ACM on Interactive, Mobile, Wearable and Ubiquitous Technologies. 8 (4): p1-30. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1145/3699746.

[2] Delft University of Technology. (2024). Battery-free dental brace reveals crucial health data via smartphone. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-11-battery-free-dental-brace-reveals.html. Last accessed: 4th December 2024.