Scientists successfully develop the human tooth in the laboratory, with the aim of implanting human

Scientists at King’s College London say they have successfully developed a human tooth in a laboratory for the first time.

As described in detail in a paper Published in the magazine ACS Macro LettersThe group said it revealed a possible way to return to people’s teeth as a natural alternative to conventional dental fills and implants, research said they could “revolutionize dental care”.

Researchers claim that they have developed a new type of material that allows cells to communicate with each other, essentially allowing one cell to “tell” another to differentiate themselves in a new tooth.

In other words, it imitates the way teeth grow naturally, a skill that we lose as we grow older.

“We have developed this material in collaboration with Imperial College to reproduce the environment around the cells of the body, known as Matrix,” explained the author and student of King’s College London Xuechechen Zhang in a statement. “This meant that when we introduced the cultivated cells, they were able to send signals to each other to begin the process of forming tooth formation.”

“Previous attempts failed, as all the signals were sent with one touch,” he added. “This new material releases signals slowly over time, reproducing what happens to the body.”

However, the transfer of discovery from the laboratory and its conversion to sustainable treatment will require years of research.

“We have different ideas to put teeth in the mouth,” Xuechen said. “We could transplant young teeth to the missing tooth place and let them grow in the mouth. Alternatively, we could create the whole tooth in the laboratory before placing it in the patient’s mouth.”

While we are still some ways from applying findings to human issues, theoretically the approach could have some significant advantages over conventional therapies such as fills and implants.

“Fills are not the best solution for tooth repair,” Xuechen said. “Over time, they will weaken the structure of the teeth. They will have a limited lifetime and can lead to further decomposition or sensitivity.”

“Implants require invasive surgery and a good combination of implants and cellular bones,” he added. “Both solutions are artificial and do not fully restore the natural function of the teeth, possibly leading to long -term complications.”

The new approach, on the other hand, could offer a better long -term solution.

“Laboratory teeth will naturally be regenerated, incorporating into the jaw as real teeth,” Xuechen explained. “They would be stronger, longer and free from risks of rejection, offering a more durable and biologically compatible solution than fillings or implants.”

While no one knows whether laboratory teeth will become a sustainable dental treatment, experts remain optimistic.

“This new technology of rejuvenating teeth is very exciting and could be a player for dentists,” the royal clinical lecturer of the prosthetic Saoire O’Toole, who did not participate in the study, I said to Bbc. “Will I come to my life in my practice?

More on laboratory teeth: Scientists develop “replacement teeth” for dental implants