Lab-Grown Teeth Are Closer to Reality, Scientists Say

The concept of growing teeth in a lab might sound like something out of a horror movie, but it could actually have a practical, non-terrifying use—replacing cavities and damaged teeth. New research brings us one step closer to making this a reality.

Researchers from King’s College London and Imperial College London have developed a hydrogel that enhances cell communication, aiding the growth of new tooth structures using dental cells from mouse embryos.

Lab-Grown Teeth: Seamless Jaw Integration, Says Xuechen Zhang

“Lab-grown teeth would regenerate naturally and seamlessly integrate into the jaw like real teeth,” explains Xuechen Zhang, a PhD candidate in Regenerative Dentistry at KCL.

“They would be stronger, more durable, and less likely to be rejected, providing a more long-lasting and biologically compatible option than fillings or implants.”

The goal is for tooth injuries to heal on their own, much like how a cut on the skin repairs naturally. Researchers are currently exploring various methods to see if we can adapt our own teeth to function this way.

Crucially, the hydrogel functions without disrupting other biological processes, more accurately replicating what occurs naturally in the human body. This is reassuring for a material designed to enhance our own self-repair abilities.

Lab-Grown Teeth: Gradual Signal Release Mimics Nature, Says Zhang

“Earlier efforts were unsuccessful because all the signals were delivered at once,” explains Zhang. “This new material, however, releases signals gradually over time, mimicking the body’s natural processes.”

The next challenge is recreating the conditions for healthy tooth growth in our mouths, not just in the lab. Several possibilities are being explored, such as transplanting cells or implanting fully grown lab-created teeth.

Interestingly, there are several species in nature that can regenerate their own teeth. Though we’re still far from achieving this, we’re steadily advancing with discoveries that bring us closer to the goal.

Antibody Treatments for Anodontia: Solution Expected by Decade’s End

Another avenue being researched to address anodontia (the condition that prevents tooth growth) is antibody-based treatments. This approach is expected to be available by the end of the decade.

As seen in the research on anodontia, this goes beyond just advanced dentistry for people who neglect their oral hygiene. Issues like missing teeth are increasingly understood to be connected to broader health concerns.

“As the field progresses, these innovative techniques could revolutionize dental care, providing sustainable solutions for tooth repair and regeneration,” says Ana Angelova Volponi, a regenerative dentistry expert at KCL.

Read the original article on: Science Alert

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