Professor Yelick pointed to the rapid advances in technology, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and dentistry as key factors driving progress in the field
In a groundbreaking development, experts at Tufts University in the United States have made significant strides towards growing human teeth in a laboratory setting, with the potential to see this technology used in humans within the next 20 years. The team of researchers has successfully grown tooth-like structures in pigs, bringing us one step closer to revolutionizing dental care.
The experiment involved harvesting cells from both human and pig teeth, which were then combined and cultivated in a lab to form tooth tissue. These cells were implanted into the mouths of pigs, where they continued to grow. While the final product wasn’t perfect in shape or size, it bore a close resemblance to natural human teeth, indicating significant progress in the field.
Professor Pamela Yelick, a leading researcher on the project, expressed confidence in the future of regenerating human teeth. Speaking at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) conference in Boston, she said, “I 100 percent think regenerating human teeth can happen. I believe we can do this in my lifetime, and I’m in my mid-60s.”
Professor Yelick pointed to the rapid advances in technology, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and dentistry as key factors driving progress in the field. She believes that all of these areas are evolving together and will soon make it possible to grow teeth that can be used to replace damaged or missing ones in humans.
The breakthrough could have far-reaching implications for dental treatments, offering a potential alternative to traditional methods like implants or dentures. As the technology continues to evolve, lab-grown teeth could become a viable solution for those in need of dental restoration, and it may even eliminate the need for some forms of dental surgery.
With ongoing research and development, the possibility of having human teeth grown in labs may become a reality within the next few decades, reshaping the future of dental health and care.
