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The next generation of tooth care - 28th April 2025

Scientists have succeeded in growing human teeth in a laboratory, thanks to a groundbreaking discovery.

The joint project, between Kings College and Imperial College London, could mean the end of fillings and implants. This would mark a significant step forward in dentistry, allowing the patient's own cells to create new teeth which can repair themselves as an organic part of the body, imitating natural teeth.

Xuechen Zhang from the Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences at Kings College considers fillings and implants to be far from ideal.

"Lab-grown teeth would naturally regenerate, integrating into the jaw as real teeth. They would be stronger, longer lasting and free from rejection risks".

While many species, including sharks, are biologically programmed to regrow lost teeth, humans only get one adult set. Dr Ana Angelova-Volponi, Director of Regenerative Dentistry at Kings College, is motivated by this dissimilarity.

"This idea of replacing the tooth in a biological way by regrowing it, drew me to London and to Kings. By growing a tooth in a dish, we are really filling in the gaps of knowledge."

Following a decade of research, the breakthrough finally came with the introduction of a special material which enables cells to pass instructions to one another. This environment allows one cell to tell others to start forming a tooth.

Having successfully grown teeth, the scientists are concentrating on how best to transplant them into the patient's mouth. One approach being explored is to transfer the underdeveloped tooth cells to the missing tooth's location to grow. Another involves growing a fully-mature tooth in the lab before transferring it.

The team believes further developments in the field will revolutionise dental care. Their study is also contributing to a broader programme of stem cell research. This aims to grow natural replacements to repair or replace damaged body parts.