Scientists bred a human tooth in the laboratory. In the future, the methods they use may prove to be an alternative to conventional dental treatment. The researchers emphasized, however, that it will take a long time before the implants replace natural teeth.
Some animals regenerate their teeth throughout their lives, but this skill is unfortunately not available to people. The reason is the lack of stem cells that disappear in the mouth after replacing milk teeth through solid teeth. In the scientific magazine “ACS Macro Letters” there was a study proving that the process of tooth regeneration can be carried out in laboratory conditions – and in the future also in the human mouth.
Many trials and tests
Scientists from King's College London and Imperial College London used human stem cells to regenerate teeth in laboratory conditions. In addition, they used a substance thanks to which cells can “communicate” with each other, sending chemical signals mobilizing them to form a new tooth. A similar process is carried out naturally in the jaw – under the influence of the surrounding tissues, the stem cells form a new tooth.
“The teeth bred in the laboratory would regenerate naturally, growing into the jaw,” said the main author of the study Xuechen Zhang from King's College London. “They would be stronger, more durable and would not cause the risk of rejection,” he added.
As the researcher said, the tooth managed to grow after many unsuccessful approaches. The key to success was the gradual exposure of stem cells to chemical signals – in a similar way they are transformed in the human body.
Dr. Angelova Volponi from a research team with a bred toothKing's College London
Dentistry of the future
British researchers are now working on how to recreate the same process in natural conditions, i.e. in the patient's mouth. “We have various ideas on how to recreate the tooth in the mouth,” said Zhang. One of the possibilities would be to grow a new tooth in the laboratory, and then implant it into the mouth. Another option is to introduce to the place where the tooth is to be restored, only stem cells. This would resemble the natural conditions of teeth regeneration.
“Tooth regeneration technology is unusual and can revolutionize dentistry,” added Saoirse O'Toole from King's College London, which did not participate in the study. However, the specialist warned against too much optimism – introducing this method to dental practice will not be possible earlier than in a few, or rather several years. It is better to take care of your teeth with proper hygiene and diet so that such treatments are not necessary at all.
PAP, BBC, King's College London
Source of the main photo: King's College London