In a groundbreaking research achievement, scientists have successfully grown human teeth in a lab for the first time. These lab-grown teeth have the potential to integrate into the jaw and even repair themselves, mimicking the natural behaviour of real teeth.
A major development in the field of dentistry, they could soon replace implants and fillings, which remain fixed and do not adapt over time.
Once they lose their teeth, humans can't regenerate them on their own. However, these lab-grown teeth made from the patient's own cells, could prove to be as good as natural teeth.
The feat has been achieved by the researchers at King’s College London which could help patients regrow their lost teeth in future. This could be revolutionary as fillings or dental implants can soon be history.
The team of scientists developed a material that mimicked the environment needed for tooth development , allowing cells to send signals and begin forming a tooth.

Dr Ana Angelova-Volponi, director of regenerative dentistry at King’s College London, said the research could “revolutionise dental care”.
The breakthrough has come after more than a decade. The research was conducted in collaboration with Imperial College London.
Fillings aren’t the best solution for repairing teeth. Over time, they will weaken tooth structure, have a limited lifespan, and can lead to further decay or sensitivity.
“Implants require invasive surgery and a good combination of implants and alveolar bone. Both solutions are artificial and don’t fully restore natural tooth function, potentially leading to long-term complications.
“Lab-grown teeth would naturally regenerate, integrating into the jaw as real teeth. They would be stronger, longer lasting, and free from rejection risks, offering a more durable and biologically compatible solution than fillings or implants," said Xuechen Zhang, researcher at the Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences.

Road ahead
The earlier efforts to recreate this process in the lab had failed, as the cells were not able to communicate properly.
Researchers are now considering two possible approaches. One by growing a whole tooth in the lab before implanting it or placing early-stage tooth cells directly into the patient’s jaw where they could continue developing.
“We have different ideas to put the teeth inside the mouth. We could transplant the young tooth cells at the location of the missing tooth and let them grow inside the mouth," said Zhang.
“Alternatively, we could create the whole tooth in the lab before placing it in the patient’s mouth. For both options, we need to start the very early tooth development process in the lab.”
(Picture courtesy: iStock)