Lab-grown teeth could soon replace fillings and implants
Scientists are researching regenerative medicine techniques to regrow teeth, potentially replacing traditional fillings and implants. This approach aims to address dental anxiety and the systemic health risks associated with poor oral hygiene.
Why it matters
Successful implementation could revolutionize dentistry, moving from synthetic repairs to biological restoration and improving long-term patient health outcomes.
While teeth play a greater role in health than many realise, current dental solutions for tooth loss are temporary and subpar.
What if we could regrow our teeth instead? Some surveys suggest upwards of 70% of adults fear going to the dentist.
Their anxieties and distrust of fillings and drillings lead them to skip routine cleaning and care. Yet, nearly every day, biochemist Hannele Ruohola-Baker gets an email from someone begging to undergo bizarre dentistry experiments that go beyond the routine pains of most dentist visits – they want her to help them regrow their teeth.
That's because Ruohola-Baker is part of a growing number of scientists worldwide harnessing the power of regenerative medicine to replace traditional dental procedures for the millions of people who are missing teeth and managing tooth pain.
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