Well, no, at least not yet. However, a recent article in the Journal of Dental Research noted that scientists are currently developing a method of replacing teeth from bioengineered materials from the person's own gum cells.
Previously, research into bioengineered teeth (a.k.a. bioteeth) has focused on generating immature teeth (a.k.a. teeth primordia) which mimic those in an embryonic state which can then be transferred into small sections of the adult jawbone in the hope that they will develop into functional teeth. This implant-based method of whole tooth replacement currently fails to reproduce a natural root structure and as a consequence of the friction from eating and other jaw movement, loss of jaw bone can occur around the implant.
However, Professor Paul Sharpe, an expert in craniofacial development and stem cell biology at King's College London, believes that there is a realistic prospect bioteeth can become a clinical reality. "What is required is the identification of adult sources of human epithelial and mesenchymal cells that can be obtained in sufficient numbers to make biotooth formation a viable alternative to dental implants", says Prof. Sharpe.
With this newer method of growing teeth, researchers isolated adult human gum tissue from patients at the Dental Institute at King's College London, grew more of it in the lab, and then combined it with the cells of mice that form teeth. By transplanting this combination of cells into mice the researchers were able to grow hybrid human/mouse teeth containing dentine and enamel, as well as viable roots.
Growing teeth! That would really help out some hockey players. I wonder how much insurance would cover a biotooth.
ReplyDeleteYou tell me, "Mr. Dental Insurance".
DeleteHaha, I will get right back to you, as soon as the first customer walks in and asks for a biotooth (which hopefully is in the near future).
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