British scientists grow human tooth in lab, dentistry's future awaits
British scientists have successfully grown a human tooth in a laboratory, which could revolutionise dentistry. However, the practical application of this technology will still take many years.
British scientists from King’s College London and Imperial College London have made a groundbreaking achievement in the field of dentistry by growing a human tooth in laboratory conditions. According to BBC News, although this is a significant step forward, it will still be many years before these implants can replace natural teeth.
"This new technology of regrowing teeth is very exciting and could be a game-changer for dentists," claims Saoirse O’Toole of King’s College London.
Humans, unlike some animals, do not have the ability to regenerate teeth after losing them. In reptiles and fish, this process is possible due to the presence of stem cells, which in humans disappear after the transition from milk teeth to permanent ones. British researchers used human stem cells and a substance enabling communication between them, which allowed for the formation of a new tooth.
The future of dentistry, albeit distant
Currently, scientists are working on the possibility of recreating this process in a patient's mouth. Xuechen Zhang from King’s College London explains that one of the considered solutions is to grow the tooth in a laboratory and implant it in a patient who will require such a procedure. An alternative solution is to introduce stem cells directly into the mouth, resembling the natural regeneration process.
Saoirse O’Toole from King’s College London emphasises that although this technology is extraordinary, its introduction into dental practice will still take many years. The specialist recommends, in the meantime, taking care of teeth through proper hygiene and diet to avoid the necessity of such procedures.
