Research on Growing New Teeth Along with Roots

A new research was published in Dental Research Journal describing some advanced procedures where missing teeth might be replaced by bioengineered teeth from the concerned person’s gum cells. Professor P Sharpe is leading the research who is considered to be proficient in the field of craniofacial development and even stem biology. The research has been funded by several institutes like NIHR, King’s College and some more.

The different procedures that are available nowadays are incapable of producing root structure naturally. As a result of that, jaw movement and eating food leads to jaw bone loss around implant which can bring serious consequences.

When it comes to research related to production of bioengineered teeth, focus generally lies on immature teeth generation like those in embryo and can easily be transplanted into the jaw which can gradually get functional. The most remarkable feature of this procedure is that despite different environments, teeth primordia easily develop in adult mouth. This means that on identification of suitable cells which can create immature teeth, the prospect of bio-teeth can definitely come true. There have been a lot of studies regarding embryonic cell usage and even though these cells can help in growth of immature teeth, general therapy considers its usage as impractical.

According to Professor Sharpe proper identification of mesenchymal and epithelial cells is required in large numbers so that bioteeth formation can be considered an alternative for dental implants.

In the research gingival tissue was isolated from human gum from patients at King’s College. The researchers grew these cells in large numbers and combined with mesenchyme cells from mice that help in development of teeth. After the transplantation of this cell combination into mice, it was found out that hybrid teeth started to develop which contained enamel, dentine and viable roots.

According to the professor, the cells which are derived from gum tissue of humans can perfectly respond mesenchyme cells signals for inducing teeth. As a result of that root and tooth crown formation happens perfectly and even helps in the development of different cells. The epithelial cells which are easily accessible definitely offer the perfect source through which bioteeth formation in humans can be made possible. However, the study is still in the initial stages and it will take some time before a conclusion can be made. Identification of mesenchymal cells from adult human need to be cultured so that can considered as tooth inducing.

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