Can Scientists Grow Human Teeth in a Lab Instead of Using Implants?

In a joint study conducted by King’s College London and Imperial College, scientists successfully recreated the early stages of human tooth formation in a laboratory setting. The research involved the use of a bioengineered material designed to replicate the natural environment in which teeth form during embryonic development.

The material functions by facilitating communication between cells in a way that mirrors natural biological signaling. According to the researchers, previous efforts to grow teeth in vitro were unsuccessful because the necessary developmental signals were introduced all at once. In this study, the team developed a matrix that allows for the gradual release of those signals, leading to more accurate cellular responses and the initial formation of tooth structures.

Tooth loss in adults is typically addressed using treatments such as fillings, dentures, and dental implants. However, each of these has limitations. Fillings can weaken the surrounding tooth structure and often require periodic replacement. Implants involve surgical procedures and may not fully replicate the mechanical or biological characteristics of a natural tooth.

The experimental technique aims to provide a biological alternative to these methods by enabling the use of a patient’s own cells to grow replacement teeth. Two potential applications have been proposed: transplanting early-stage tooth cells into the mouth to allow in situ development, or growing a full tooth in the lab for later implantation.

This research remains in the preclinical phase. The scientists involved have emphasized that additional work is needed to refine the technique and assess its feasibility for human use in clinical settings.