A groundbreaking study has revealed that teeth could soon be grown in laboratories, offering a potential alternative to implants and dentures. Experts suggest this new development could revolutionize dentistry within the next 20 years.
The study, led by Professor Pamela Yelick, a renowned orthodontics professor at Tufts University in Boston, shows how human cells from wisdom teeth, combined with pig tooth cells, can be cultivated in the lab to form teeth that could be used to replace lost ones.
The Science Behind the Discovery
Professor Yelick, who is confident in the future of regenerative dentistry, presented her findings at the recent American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) annual conference. In her research, published in Stem Cells Translational Medicine, the team successfully grew human-like teeth in pigs in under four months.
The process involves using cells from wisdom teeth that would otherwise be extracted, growing them in large quantities, and then placing them on biodegradable scaffolds where they develop into full tooth tissue. Remarkably, even after the cells are frozen and thawed, they “remember” their function and begin to grow into tiny, fully functional teeth.
Potential for the Future
Professor Yelick believes that lab-grown teeth could replace any type of tooth within 20 years, offering a more natural solution than dental implants. These lab-grown teeth would retain nerves and blood circulation, making them feel and function more like natural teeth compared to traditional implants, which lack these crucial components.
While the current research involved pig cells, the future aim is to use exclusively human cells for the process, opening the door to truly personalized dental replacements.
Impact on Dental Health and Costs
According to official data, half of Britons are missing at least 10 teeth by the age of 75, and one in 10 adults have fillings, crowns, or bridges that cause discomfort. Lab-grown teeth could address these issues, providing a natural and potentially longer-lasting solution for dental restoration.
Yelick has founded a company called Regendodent, based in Boston, to commercialize these breakthroughs. One of the company’s products, RegendoGEL, is a naturally grown tooth pulp intended for use in root canals. This pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels, is designed to help maintain root development and improve the longevity of root canals.
Looking Ahead
While the FDA has not yet cleared these products for commercial use in the U.S., the advancements made in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering indicate a promising future for lab-grown teeth. With continued research and development, it’s likely that this innovative approach to dental care will offer therapeutic and functional benefits in addition to replacing lost teeth, potentially changing the landscape of dentistry forever.
Professor Yelick and her team are hopeful that their work will ultimately lead to a more natural, effective, and sustainable approach to oral health care.
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