Dentists are one step closer to developing replacement human teeth instead of giving filling thanks to a basic discovery
An innovative discovery could write the end of filling and implants forever, offering a future where we could simply develop new teeth from our own cells.
While some animals such as sharks and elephants can constantly develop new teeth, people only take a valuable adult white pearl.
But according to a new study by scientists at King’s College London, which could be changed.
The team of researchers has successfully developed a tooth under laboratory conditions. The revolution could dental revolutionpaving the way for patients to rejuvenate lost teeth in the future.
Scientists have developed a material that mimics the environment required for the development of teeth, which allows cells to send signals that cause tooth formation. Using a patient’s cells, a laboratory tooth could be incorporated into the jaw and repair himself as a natural tooth-as opposed to implants and fills, which are constant and cannot be adapted over time.
Dr. Ana Angelova-Volponi, director of regenerative dentistry in King’s College, London, said the research was able to “revolutionize dental care”.
Dr. Angelova-Volponi added: “We have developed an environment using new materials that will allow cells to communicate effectively with each other and start forming teeth on a plate.
“This environment can be better adapted to promote the process of tooth production. With it, we may be a step closer to the cultivation of human teeth in a laboratory in the near future.”
Scientists have been trying to create laboratory teeth for a decade. Previous attempts failed because cells were unable to communicate effectively.
Now, the researchers are investigating two possible approaches: they cultivate a whole tooth before implanting or adding early stage tooth cells to the jaw of a patient where they may grow. Both processes require very early tooth development in the laboratory, according to Xuechechen Zhang, from the Dentistry School, oral and craniofacial sciences at King’s College London.
Zhang said: “fills are not the best solution for tooth repair. Over time, they will weaken the structure of the teeth, have a limited lifetime and can lead to further decomposition or sensitivity. Implants require invasive surgery and good surgery.
“Both solutions are artificial and do not fully restore the natural function of the teeth, possibly leading to long -term complications.”
Dr. Angelova Volponi added: “As the field evolves, the integration of such innovative techniques has the ability to revolutionize dental care, offering sustainable and effective solutions to repair and regenerate tooth.”
Research, in collaboration with Imperial College London, was published in the magazine ACS Macro Letters.