A breakthrough by King’s College London scientists could revolutionize dentistry. Lab-grown teeth using bioengineered hydrogels may soon replace traditional fillings and implants with self-repairing, biologically integrated alternatives.
Regenerative Dentistry Breakthrough at King’s College London
In a significant advance in regenerative dentistry, researchers from King’s College London have made strides toward growing real teeth in the lab—offering a promising alternative to traditional dental fillings and implants.
Read the official King’s College London news article here:
Lab-grown teeth might become an alternative to fillings
Unlike artificial dental restorations, which can weaken over time or require invasive procedures, these lab-grown teeth are designed to integrate naturally into the jawbone, repair themselves, and function like real teeth—without the risks associated with foreign materials.
The Science Behind Tooth Organoids
The recent study, published on PubMed, highlights how bioorthogonally cross-linked hydrogels were used as 3D scaffolds to mimic the biological environment required for tooth development. These hydrogels, formed from gelatin precursors with tetrazine and norbornene moieties, were adjusted for ideal stiffness (2–7 kPa) and elasticity (500–1500 Pa) to support cell signaling and morphogenesis.
Dental epithelial and mesenchymal cells were encapsulated in various hydrogel formulations, and one optimal combination enabled the formation of tooth organoids, effectively replicating early tooth development in vitro.
Access the full scientific article here:
PubMed: Defined matrices for 3D tooth organoid engineering
What This Means for Future Dental Treatments
This cutting-edge research offers an exciting glimpse into tooth regeneration therapy. Traditional treatments like amalgam/composite fillings or titanium dental implants have limitations:
- Fillings degrade and may lead to secondary decay.
- Implants require surgery and good alveolar bone density.
- Neither can biologically repair themselves.
By contrast, lab-grown teeth from a patient’s own stem cells could avoid these issues entirely—offering long-term, biologically compatible, and self-renewing dental solutions.
What’s Next? From Lab to Clinical Practice
Two proposed clinical approaches are being explored:
- In situ growth – Young tooth cells could be transplanted into the empty socket and allowed to grow within the mouth.
- Ex vivo cultivation – Full teeth could be bioengineered in the lab and then surgically placed into the jaw.
According to Dr. Ana Angelova Volponi, corresponding author and researcher at King’s College London:
“As the field progresses, the integration of such innovative techniques holds the potential to revolutionise dental care, offering sustainable and effective solutions for tooth repair and regeneration.”
️ Research Collaborators
This project was carried out in collaboration with Imperial College London, and the study was authored by:
- Xuechen Zhang
- Nicola Contessi Negrini
- Rita Correia
- Paul T. Sharpe
- Adam D. Celiz
- Ana Angelova Volponi
Together, they have laid the groundwork for a future where teeth could be regenerated instead of replaced.
Useful Links:
- KCL News Article: Lab-Grown Teeth News – King’s College London
- PubMed Abstract: Tooth Organoids in Defined Hydrogels – PubMed