Many animals can grow teeth repeatedly, but humans only get one chance to grow healthy, complete teeth. This is now changing, as scientists at King’s College London have successfully created human teeth in the lab according to a report by BBC.
Although these teeth are not yet ready for use in humans, researchers are making progress. Dr. Anna Angelova-Vlponi, director of the Department of Regenerative Dentistry, said, “By growing teeth in the lab, we’re learning new things about the process.”
Currently, many people rely on braces or implants to fix their teeth, but these can cause complications. PhD researcher Juechen Zhang explained that implants require surgery and good integration with the gum bone. In contrast, lab-grown teeth would naturally merge with the jaw, making them stronger, longer-lasting, and more biologically compatible than implants.
The King’s College team, in collaboration with Imperial College London, has developed a special substance that helps cells communicate, encouraging them to transform into tooth cells. This creates a natural environment for tooth growth, which scientists can replicate in the lab.
Next, the team aims to figure out how to implant these lab-grown teeth into patients. It could take several years to reach this stage.
Zhang explained, “We have a few plans for implanting the teeth—either placing immature tooth cells in the gap or creating the whole tooth in the lab first.”
Whatever method they choose, the process will start in the lab.
Poor tooth health affects eating, speaking, and socialising. It can also lead to infections, especially in the elderly. Sawers O’Tool, a clinical lecturer at King’s College, said, “This new technology could completely change dentistry.”