Scientists are regrowing human teeth - BBC

What the report says

BBC Future reports that researchers in the United States and the United Kingdom are pursuing regenerative dentistry as a possible alternative to fillings, crowns and implants. The work focuses on coaxing cells to rebuild dental tissues — and, in the longer term, whole teeth — rather than repairing damage with artificial materials. The article features scientists including Hannele Ruohola-Baker at the University of Washington, Pamela Yelick at Tufts, Anne George at the University of Illinois Chicago and Ana Angelova Volponi at King’s College London.

The BBC article explains why the field matters: oral health is linked to wider health, while tooth loss can affect eating, speech, appearance and emotional well-being. Existing treatments can be effective but imperfect. Fillings may need replacement, implants lack the sensory feedback of natural teeth, and artificial crowns can wear out or be costly.

Several experimental approaches are described. George’s work examines proteins involved in dentine growth and repair, with the aim of encouraging teeth to heal cavity damage. Ruohola-Baker’s team has used stem-cell signals to create enamel-producing and dentine-producing cells in organoids, with possible future use in “living” fillings or protective coatings. Volponi’s research explores tooth-forming structures using human gum cells and mouse tooth cells, while Yelick’s team has studied tooth development using human and pig cells in bioengineered scaffolds.

The reporting makes clear that these ideas remain experimental, not routine dental care. Still, the research points toward a future in which dentists might regenerate damaged tissue or biological replacements, potentially changing how tooth decay and tooth loss are treated.