Dentists may one day be able to regrow human teeth, replacing the need for implants, thanks to a pioneering technique recently tested in pigs. Scientists have successfully regenerated near-perfect “bioengineered” tooth tissue in pigs, using cells harvested from human wisdom teeth.
This groundbreaking study, led by Dr. Pam Yelick of Tufts University in Boston, has raised hopes that such advancements could be replicated in humans within the next two decades. Speaking at the American Association for the Advancement of Science’s annual conference, Dr. Yelick expressed confidence in the future of regenerative dental treatments: “I am certain that regenerating human teeth is within our reach. We’re seeing major progress across fields like tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and dentistry, all of which support each other’s development.”
Dr. Yelick’s research, published in Stem Cells Translational Medicine, demonstrated that human-like teeth could be regrown in under four months. The process involved extracting stem cells from human wisdom teeth, combining them with epithelial cells from pig tissue, and cultivating them on a scaffold. These “tooth bud constructs” were then implanted into the mouths of adult Yucatan mini pigs, where they developed into tooth-like tissues.
The results showed a promising ability to create fully functional, bioengineered teeth that closely resemble natural teeth. This breakthrough could offer a major advantage over traditional synthetic titanium implants, which do not mimic the biological properties of real teeth, such as nerves and blood circulation.
In addition to potentially improving dental health, this technique addresses the growing concerns surrounding the prevalence of tooth loss in adults. Recent statistics from the Adult Oral Health Survey in England revealed that by the age of 75, only about half of adults retain at least 21 natural teeth. Furthermore, one in ten adults experience pain from dental work like fillings, crowns, and fixed bridges.
Dr. Yelick emphasized the advantages of lab-grown teeth, particularly their natural feel due to the presence of nerves and blood vessels. “This is an exciting development,” she said, acknowledging the long road ahead. “Though I’ve been working in this field for many years, we still have much to accomplish.”
In addition to her academic work, Dr. Yelick has founded a company, RegendoDent, which is innovating further in dental technology. Among their projects is RegendoGel, a naturally grown tooth pulp designed for use in root canals. Unlike traditional cement, this tooth pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels, could help preserve damaged teeth by keeping them alive. RegendoDent hopes that this method could prevent further tooth deterioration, reducing the need for extractions.
Looking ahead, Dr. Yelick envisions a future where lab-grown tooth roots could be fitted with crowns that align properly with a person’s bite. These roots could even offer resistance to tooth decay and periodontal disease, making them not only functional but also therapeutic. Her company has garnered attention from the US Department of Defense, which is interested in using these advancements to help soldiers who suffer facial injuries in combat.
Dr. Yelick’s research marks a significant step forward in the realm of dental care, offering hope for the future of regenerative medicine in dentistry.
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