GabyExperiments on growing human teeth have been ongoing worldwide for several decades. Recently, a team of British scientists announced a scientific breakthrough in this important area of research.
Scientists who successfully cultivated teeth In laboratory conditions, it is believed that their discovery will serve as an alternative to filling and implantation.
What did the scientists report?
The research conducted jointly by scientists from King’s College London and Imperial College London lasted over ten years.
The team developed a material that simulates the environment necessary for the formation and development of teeth, the publication reported. Independent .
Dr. Ana Angelova-Volponi, director of the Department of Regenerative Dentistry at King’s College London, stated that the research could “revolutionize dental care.”
In their report on their revolutionary work, the researchers reminded that some animals, such as sharks and elephants, have the ability to regrow new teeth, while adults have only one set. Therefore, the possibility of tooth regeneration would be a huge step forward for dentistry.
The team described how a tooth grown in laboratory conditions, made from one’s own cells, cells The implant can integrate into the jaw and restore itself like a natural tooth.
Dr. Angelova-Volponi added, “We have developed an environment using new materials that will allow cells to communicate effectively with each other and form teeth.”
Syuichen Zhang, a research fellow at the Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, noted: “Fillings are not the best solution for restoring teeth. Over time, they weaken the tooth structure, have a limited lifespan, and can lead to further decay or sensitivity. Implants require invasive surgery and a good integration with the alveolar bone. Both solutions are artificial and do not fully restore the natural function of teeth, which can lead to long-term complications.”
Meanwhile, “lab-grown teeth will naturally regenerate, integrating into the jaw like real teeth,” said the scientist. According to him, these teeth will be stronger, more durable, and less prone to rejection.
Previous attempts to replicate this process in laboratory conditions were unsuccessful, as the cells did not interact effectively.
The team is now exploring two possible approaches: growing an entire tooth in laboratory conditions before implantation or placing tooth cells at an early stage directly into the patient’s jaw, where they could continue their development.
