Stem cells transplanted to where your tooth fell out will soon make a new tooth for you

Main Category: Stem Cell Research
Article Date: 04 May 2004 - 0:00 PDT

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Researchers in London have been awarded a grant of £500,000 ($820,000) to develop human teeth from stem cells. This could spell the end of dentures. The scientists who work at King's College London, UK, have set up a company called Odontis.

Odontis plans to research on humans in two years time. Its scientists have managed to grow new teeth in mice.

In this technique, if you lose a tooth, stem cells would be programmed to develop into teeth. They would then be transplanted into your jaw, where you lost tooth was (in the gap). Two months later you would have a brand new fully-developed tooth that you created yourself.

The scientists believe that if everything goes well, this technology could become available to the general public in about five years' time.

Humans have 32 teeth. In the UK most people over 50 have lost, on average, twelve teeth.

Professor Paul Sharpe, King's College London, said "A key advantage of our technology is that a living tooth can preserve the health of the surrounding tissues much better than artificial prosthesis. Teeth are living, and they are able to respond to a person's bite. They move and in doing so they maintain the health of the surrounding gums and teeth."

Experts believe the cost to the patient will be no more than what it costs now to have a synthetic implant.

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