Scientists Grow Human Teeth in Lab for First Time

Key Takeaways:

• Researchers at King’s College London successfully grew human teeth in the lab for the first time.
• The breakthrough could enable patients to regrow lost teeth, replacing fillings and implants.
• A material mimicking the tooth development environment allows cells to form a tooth structure.
• Lab-grown teeth could integrate into the jaw, repair themselves, and last longer than artificial solutions.
• Two approaches are being explored: growing teeth in the lab or implanting early-stage cells into the jaw.

Scientists Successfully Grow Human Teeth in Lab for the First Time

Scientists have achieved a milestone in dental research by growing human teeth in the lab, according to a recent article published on LBC by Kit Heren. This advancement opens new possibilities for addressing tooth loss, offering a potential alternative to traditional fillings and dental implants.

A Breakthrough with Promising Implications

Researchers at King’s College London, in collaboration with Imperial College London, developed a material that mimics the natural environment required for tooth development. This innovation enables cells to communicate effectively, initiating the process of forming a tooth structure. Dr. Ana Angelova-Volponi, director of regenerative dentistry at King’s College London, emphasized the transformative nature of the research, stating it has the “possibility to revolutionise dental care.”

The study highlights a significant contrast between humans and certain animals, such as sharks and elephants, which can regenerate teeth throughout their lives. Humans, on the other hand, only develop two sets of teeth—baby teeth and permanent adult teeth. The ability to regenerate teeth in humans would therefore represent a major leap forward in dentistry.

Why Lab-Grown Teeth Could Outperform Fillings and Implants

Traditional dental solutions like fillings and implants, while effective, come with limitations. Xuechen Zhang, a researcher at the Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, explained, “Fillings aren’t the best solution for repairing teeth. Over time, they will weaken tooth structure, have a limited lifespan, and can lead to further decay or sensitivity.”

Implants, while durable, require invasive surgery and rely on a successful combination of the implant and the alveolar bone. Zhang added, “Both solutions are artificial and don’t fully restore natural tooth function, potentially leading to long-term complications.”

Lab-grown teeth, made from a patient’s own cells, could overcome these challenges. Unlike artificial solutions, they would naturally integrate into the jawbone, repair themselves, and adapt over time like natural teeth. This biological compatibility reduces the risk of rejection and offers a more sustainable option for tooth replacement.

Two Approaches Under Exploration

The researchers are currently exploring two methods to bring this innovation to clinical practice. One approach involves growing an entire tooth in the lab before transplanting it into the patient’s mouth. The other focuses on implanting early-stage tooth cells directly into the jaw, allowing them to develop into a fully formed tooth within the patient’s body.

Zhang elaborated on these strategies, stating, “We have different ideas to put the teeth inside the mouth. We could transplant the young tooth cells at the location of the missing tooth and let them grow inside the mouth. Alternatively, we could create the whole tooth in the lab before placing it in the patient’s mouth.” Both options require initiating the early stages of tooth development in the lab, underscoring the complexity of the process.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Previous attempts to recreate tooth development in the lab faced obstacles due to the inability of cells to communicate effectively. However, the current breakthrough represents over a decade of dedicated research and collaboration. As the field progresses, Dr. Angelova-Volponi noted, “The integration of such innovative techniques holds the potential to revolutionise dental care, offering sustainable and effective solutions for tooth repair and regeneration.”

While the research is promising, practical applications may still be years away. Nonetheless, this development provides hope for millions of people worldwide who face challenges accessing dental care or dealing with tooth loss.

This article is based on a report published on LBC by Kit Heren