Scientists find new way to split tooth to create two fully functional teeth

People could soon not only rely on dental implants and bridges for their missing teeth as scientists have found a new way to split a tooth into two fully functional teeth. Researchers have successfully implanted new teeth with full functionality into the jaws of mice, which could potentially help paediatric patients.

Researchers from the RIKEN Centre for Developmental Biology in Japan used a new technique of extracting teeth germs, or the groups of cells formed early in life that will later develop into teeth. Scientists could easily split the germs into two and implant the new teeth to the mice’s jaws.

The study, published in Scientific Reports of the journal Nature, shows current remedy like false tooth does not restore the full functionality of a tooth, which makes naturally growing new teeth more beneficial. Other experts consider teeth as a major target for regenerative medicine, as about 10 per cent of people were born with some missing teeth and many people could potentially lose some teeth due to accidents or disease as they age.

With that, the researchers analysed how to make more teeth from a single germ. They focused on the wavelike pattern of gene expression involving Lef1, an activator, and Ectodin, an inhibitor, for teeth development.

Teeth germs were removed from mice and were sliced into two with nylon thread. The experiment took about 15 days to develop the germ naturally into two teeth.

The study shows the new teeth allowed the mice to chew and feel stimulus. However, the implanted teeth were just half the size of normal teeth.

Lead researcher Takashi Tsuji said the new method could be used for paediatric patients who have not properly developed teeth due to conditions like cleft lip or Down syndrome. Germs of permanent teeth or wisdom teeth could be used to develop new fully functional teeth that can be implanted.

Tsuji added that they could soon consider using stem cells to grow more germs, however, further tests are needed for the process.

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