Scientists from the UK demonstrated the first biological tooth, which was grown by combining mouse stem cells with human cells. Researchers hope that one day instead of removed or diseased teeth, it will be possible to grow live new teeth. The so-called “hybrid” tooth was grown in a laboratory mouse in the oral cavity in order to test an innovative technique that could compete with conventional dental implants in the future.
“The idea of our method is to search for cellular material from which you can create a tooth embryo. After transplantation into the patient’s mouth, he will grow into a full-fledged tooth. A “hybrid” tooth has formed viable roots with good periodontal ligaments connecting a healthy tooth and jawbone. “Unlike metal implants, periodontal ligaments function like chewers when chewing, and therefore prevent damage to the jawbone,” said Professor Paul Sharp (King's College London).
Due to the use of material taken from animals, the obtained bio-tooth cannot be used in tooth transplantology. At the next stage, the researchers plan to find mesenchymal cells in the human body (suppress the response of the immune system to their own presence) in order to connect them with epithelial cells and get the embryo of a human tooth.
According to scientists, their main goal is to get a root with stable periodontal ligaments, since the rest of the tooth can be adjusted using crowns.
