
17/05/2025
For the first time ever, scientists at King’s College London have successfully grown a human tooth in the lab, unlocking the possibility of regenerating real teeth as an alternative to traditional fillings or implants. This breakthrough could eventually transform how we treat tooth loss and decay.
The key to this innovation lies in a new material that mimics the body's natural cell environment, allowing lab-grown cells to “talk” to each other—just like in real tooth development. Previous attempts failed because signals needed for growth were delivered all at once. In this new method, signals are released slowly, just like how the body would do it, prompting cells to start building a tooth naturally.
Although human trials are still years away, the future applications are promising. Scientists are considering two approaches: either transplanting young tooth cells directly into the mouth to grow in place, or growing an entire tooth in the lab before implanting it. Unlike fillings or metal implants, which wear down or cause issues over time, lab-grown teeth could integrate naturally into the jaw, offering a longer-lasting, biologically compatible solution.
This could mean fewer complications, stronger results, and maybe one day, no more drilling at the dentist.
Research Paper : https://doi.org/10.1021/acsmacrolett.4c00520