Although numerous species can regenerate their teeth, humans are limited to only one opportunity to develop a set of healthy adult teeth.
However, this may be changing.
Researchers at King’s College London have successfully cultivated a human tooth in a lab setting.
While this significant advancement may still be far from addressing any current dental gaps, the research is undoubtedly contributing to our understanding of tooth regeneration.
“The notion of biologically replacing a tooth through regrowth is what drew me to King’s and London,” stated Dr. Ana Angelova-Volponi, the director of regenerative dentistry. “By growing a tooth in a laboratory environment, we’re significantly enhancing our comprehension of this field.”
A flawless smile is highly desired, prompting many individuals to seek braces or implants for that glamorous “reality TV” aesthetic.
However, implants can lead to unexpected complications for both patients and dentists alike.
“Implants necessitate surgical intervention and rely on a proper integration with the surrounding bone,” explained Xuechen Zhang, a final-year PhD candidate at the Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences. “In contrast, lab-grown teeth would regenerate naturally, integrating seamlessly into the jaw like genuine teeth. They would be more resilient, longer-lasting, and devoid of rejection risks, providing a superior biological solution compared to fillings or implants.”
The team at King’s, in partnership with Imperial College London, has introduced a novel type of material that facilitates intercellular communication.
This advancement allows one cell to signal another to begin differentiating into a tooth cell, effectively recreating the conditions necessary for tooth development in a laboratory setting.
Having established the requisite environment for tooth growth, the next challenge for scientists is to figure out how to transition these lab-grown teeth into a patient’s mouth, which may still take several years.
“We are considering various strategies for introducing the teeth into the mouth. One possibility is to transplant young tooth cells directly to the site of the missing tooth and allow them to develop there,” Mr. Zhang shared. “Another approach could involve fully generating the entire tooth in the lab before implantation into the patient.”
Regardless of the method chosen, the initial phase of this groundbreaking process continues to occur in the lab.
Poor dental health can severely impact individuals’ ability to eat, converse, and engage socially, and it is also associated with heart issues and infections that may arise if bacteria enter the bloodstream. Older adults, in particular, are at heightened risk.
According to the National Institute for Clinical Excellence and the Social Care Institute for Excellence, over half of older adults residing in care facilities experience tooth decay, compared to 40% of those over 75 who live independently.
Saoirse O’Toole, a clinical lecturer in prosthodontics at King’s College, remarked, “This innovative technology for regrowing teeth is incredibly promising and could revolutionize dental practices. Will we see it implemented in my professional lifetime? Perhaps. In my children’s dental eras? Possibly. But certainly, I hope to see it by the time my grandchildren are seeking dental care.”
