In a groundbreaking development, scientists predict that within the next two decades, it will be possible to grow human teeth in laboratories, offering hope to those who rely on dentures.
Researchers from Tufts University have made significant progress, successfully growing human-like teeth in experiments conducted with pigs. The process involves harvesting cells from both human and pig teeth, combining them in the lab, and stimulating their growth into tooth tissue. These cells were then implanted into pigs, where they continued to develop and mature.
Professor Pamela Yelick, a leading figure in this research, explained that while the teeth produced in the experiment are not yet perfect in terms of shape and size, they closely resemble natural teeth. While the technology is not yet advanced enough for human use, she remains optimistic about its future, noting that rapid advancements in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and dentistry could speed up the process of regenerating human teeth.
The potential impact of this development is substantial. Regrowing natural teeth instead of relying on dentures or artificial implants would improve the comfort, fit, and longevity of dental solutions, according to Professor Yelick.
“I am confident that regenerating human teeth is achievable,” Yelick stated at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) conference in Boston. “I believe this is something that can happen within my lifetime—I’m in my mid-60s, and the field is advancing rapidly.”
Her research, recently published in Stem Cells Translational Medicine, successfully grew human-like teeth in less than four months after implantation. This achievement comes at a time when dental issues are becoming more common—data shows that by age 75, half of Britons are missing at least 10 teeth, and many adults suffer from fillings, crowns, or bridges that cause discomfort.
Dr. Yelick pointed out that lab-grown teeth would feel more natural than implants because they retain their nerves and blood circulation. She explained, “We use cells from wisdom teeth that need to be extracted, expanding them in the lab to create millions of cells. These cells are then placed on biodegradable scaffolds, where they form tooth tissue.”
Even after being frozen and thawed, these cells retain their ability to form tiny teeth. Dr. Yelick’s goal is to provide the right environment for these cells to regenerate fully, with the best possible outcome being to implant them directly into the mouth.
To commercialize her findings, Dr. Yelick has founded a company called RegendoDent. The company’s first product, RegendoGel, is a naturally grown tooth pulp that could be used in root canal treatments. Instead of using traditional cement to fill a hollowed-out tooth, dentists would be able to use this natural pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels, to help keep the tooth alive and prevent further deterioration.
“We hope this technology will allow us to create tooth roots that could fit a crown perfectly, and might even be resistant to decay or gum disease,” she added. “We’re thinking big, with the potential for therapeutic benefits as well as functionality.”
RegendoDent has already attracted interest from the U.S. Department of Defense, which is exploring the technology’s potential for treating soldiers with facial injuries sustained in combat.
This exciting development marks a significant step forward in dental medicine, offering the promise of a future where natural, lab-grown teeth could replace the need for traditional dental solutions.
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