In the past, dentures and dental implants have been the go-to solutions for people missing teeth. However, these options have their limitations and drawbacks.
In recent years, scientists have been exploring innovative ways to grow teeth from a person’s own cells. One of the newest and most promising methods is the use of engineered teeth grown from gum cells.
What are engineered teeth?
Simply put, engineered teeth are those that have been grown from a person’s own cells in a laboratory. This process involves taking stem cells from the individual’s gum tissue and using these cells to grow a new tooth.
The result is a fully functional tooth, with the same shape, structure, and color as a natural tooth.
The benefits of engineered teeth
There are several advantages to creating engineered teeth from gum cells:.
- More natural-looking: Because the tooth is grown from the patient’s own cells, it is an exact match for their natural teeth in terms of shape and color.
- Better fitting: Dental implants and dentures can sometimes be uncomfortable or ill-fitting, but engineered teeth are custom-made to fit perfectly in the patient’s mouth.
- Long-lasting: Engineered teeth have the potential to last a lifetime, unlike dentures or implants that may need to be replaced after a certain period of time.
- No risk of rejection: Because the tooth is grown from the patient’s own cells, there is no risk of rejection by the body.
How are engineered teeth made?
The process of creating engineered teeth involves several steps:.
Step 1: Collecting gum cells
The first step is to collect stem cells from the patient’s gum tissue. These cells are then placed in a special solution that encourages them to multiply and grow.
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Step 2: Creating a tooth bud
Once enough cells have been grown, they are combined with other types of cells to create a tooth bud. This is a small, round structure that contains all the elements required for a tooth to grow, including the dental pulp, dentin, and enamel.
Step 3: Implantation
The tooth bud is then implanted into the patient’s jawbone, where it will eventually integrate with the surrounding tissue and develop into a fully functional tooth.
The future of engineered teeth
While the technology for creating engineered teeth from gum cells is still in its infancy, the potential for this approach is enormous.
In the future, it could become a mainstream solution for people who have lost teeth due to injury, decay, or other causes.
Conclusion
Engineered teeth grown from gum cells offer an innovative and potentially game-changing solution for people missing teeth.
This approach provides many advantages over traditional dentures and implants, including better fitting, longer lasting, and more natural-looking teeth. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see more and more people benefiting from this exciting new approach to dental restoration.
