Scientists have successfully grown a human tooth in a laboratory for the first time. This breakthrough could potentially offer a new method for tooth replacement. The lab-grown teeth may avoid issues associated with implants.
The team from King's College London, in collaboration with Imperial College London, achieved this by introducing a special material into cells. This material enables cells to communicate and develop into tooth cells. This replicates the natural process of tooth development in a lab setting.
Researchers are now exploring methods to transplant these lab-grown teeth into patients' mouths. Options include transplanting young tooth cells to the site of the missing tooth or growing the entire tooth in the lab before implantation. This advancement could lead to stronger, longer-lasting teeth with reduced risk of rejection compared to fillings or implants.