British scientists grow human tooth in lab, dentistry future awaits
British scientists have successfully grown a human tooth in a laboratory, which could revolutionize dentistry. However, the practical application of this technology is still many years away.
Researchers from King’s College London and Imperial College London have achieved a groundbreaking milestone in the field of dentistry by growing a human tooth under laboratory conditions. According to BBC News, while this is a significant advancement, it will be many years before such implants can replace natural teeth.
This new tooth regeneration technology is extraordinary and could revolutionize dentistry, claims Saoirse O’Toole of King’s College London, as quoted by the Polish Press Agency.
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 exploring the possibility of recreating this process in a patient's mouth. Xuechen Zhang from King’s College London explains that one potential solution is to grow the tooth in a laboratory and implant it in a patient who requires such a procedure. Another approach is to introduce stem cells directly into the mouth, mimicking the natural regeneration process.
Saoirse O’Toole from King’s College London emphasizes that although this technology is extraordinary, its implementation into dental practice will still take many years. The specialist advises in the meantime to take care of teeth through proper hygiene and diet to avoid the necessity of such procedures.
