Unlike some animals, such as sharks and elephants, which have the ability to continuously grow new teeth, humans only have one set during their adult lives. In cases of severe decay or damage, fillings or implants are usually the only option.
However, science seems to be getting closer to a solution that until recently seemed impossible: regenerating teeth naturally, through the use of stem cells and advanced tissue culture technologies.
An innovation in dental practice
Researchers from King’s College London have been working for more than a decade on growing teeth in the laboratory (“Generating Tooth Organoids Using Defined Bioorthogonally Cross-Linked Hydrogels“). As they explain, unlike today’s fillings and implants – which are functional, but lack the ability to naturally integrate and adapt – laboratory teeth made from the patient’s own cells can be integrated into the jaw and function like natural ones.
Unlike some animals, such as sharks and elephants, which have the ability to continuously grow new teeth, humans only have one set during their adult lives. In cases of severe decay or damage, fillings or implants are usually the only option.
However, science seems to be getting closer to a solution that until recently seemed impossible: regenerating teeth naturally, through the use of stem cells and advanced tissue culture technologies.
An innovation in dental practice
Researchers from King’s College London have been working for more than a decade on growing teeth in the laboratory. As they explain, unlike today’s fillings and implants – which are functional, but lack the ability to naturally integrate and adapt – laboratory teeth made from the patient’s own cells can be integrated into the jaw and function like natural ones.
Fillings, over time, weaken the structure of the teeth, have a limited lifespan and can lead to further wear and tear or sensitivity. On the other hand, implants require surgery and good combination with the alveolar bone. Both solutions are artificial and do not fully restore the natural function of the teeth.
The teeth grown in the laboratory will regenerate naturally and integrate into the jaw – just like natural teeth. They will be stronger, longer-lasting and free from the risk of rejection, offering a more durable and biologically compatible solution.
From the lab to the dentist’s office and patients
A key part of the research’s success is the development of a special biomaterial that allows cells to “talk” to each other, sending signals that trigger the process of differentiation into tooth cells. This technology closely mimics the natural environment in which teeth develop.
The scientists developed the material in collaboration with Imperial College to replicate the environment around the cells. This meant that when they introduced the cultured cells, they were able to send signals to each other to start the tooth formation process. Previous attempts had failed, as all the signals were sent en masse. However, their new material releases the signals slowly, replicating the process that takes place in the body.
The team examined 2 main approaches for clinical application: Either transplanting young cells directly into the missing tooth site to grow it in situ, or growing a full-grown tooth in the laboratory and then implanting it into the patient.
The Future of Dentistry in the Age of Regenerative Medicine
Dr. Ana Angelova Volponi, lead author, said that “as regenerative medicine evolves, the integration of such innovative techniques has the potential to revolutionize dental care, offering sustainable and effective solutions for tooth restoration and regeneration. Instead of relying on artificial materials – such as metal implants or dentures – we are working to develop natural replacements, using stem cells and engineered environments.”