Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Tooth regeneration

Tooth regeneration is the process of biologically restoring or regrowing damaged, diseased, or congenitally missing teeth through techniques, including therapies, , and modulation of developmental signaling pathways, aiming to replace traditional restorative methods like fillings, crowns, or implants with functional, living dental tissues. This field draws on the principles of odontogenesis, the natural embryonic development of teeth, which involves reciprocal interactions between dental epithelial and mesenchymal cells to form , , , and supporting structures. These interactions are regulated by conserved signaling pathways, including Wnt, (BMP), (FGF), Sonic hedgehog (Shh), and inhibitors like uterine sensitization-associated gene-1 (USAG-1), which control , , and . In adults, teeth lack the innate regenerative capacity seen in continuously replacing structures like or teeth, but research has identified latent potential in a "third dentition" mechanism, where genetic or interventions can induce supernumerary formation. Key strategies for tooth regeneration encompass direct induction of stem cells using growth factors, multicellular recombination to mimic embryonic tooth buds, and scaffold-based that integrates biomaterials with dental stem cells such as dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), stem cells from human exfoliated (), and periodontal stem cells (PDLSCs). Pharmacological approaches, notably anti-USAG-1 antibodies, have shown promise by antagonizing BMP-Wnt inhibition to promote tooth outgrowth in animal models like mice and ferrets, with human clinical trials commencing in 2025. Notable advances include several clinical studies and trials demonstrating vital pulp-dentin complex regeneration with vascularization and innervation, as well as bioengineered whole-tooth replacement in pigs using decellularized scaffolds. regeneration remains in early stages, focusing on epitaxial growth via novel biomaterials, while challenges like scalability, , and integration with jawbone persist. These developments hold potential to address global oral health burdens, including the 22.3 million annual endodontic procedures in the and edentulism affecting approximately 20% of aged 75 and older (as of 2020).

Biological Foundations

Tooth Development and Structure

Teeth are complex organs composed of multiple specialized tissues that form a functional unit for mastication, , and . The outermost layer, , is the hardest substance in the human body, consisting primarily of crystals arranged in rods, and is acellular and avascular once formed. It is produced by ameloblasts, which are derived from the inner and secrete an organic matrix that mineralizes through a process called , involving sequential shifts in pH to promote crystal formation. Beneath the enamel lies dentin, a resilient, tubular tissue that constitutes the bulk of the tooth crown and root, comprising approximately 70% mineralized , 20% organic material (mainly type I), and 10% water. is secreted by odontoblasts, elongated cells of mesenchymal origin that line the periphery of the dental pulp and extend cytoplasmic processes into dentinal tubules, enabling sensory responses to stimuli. Mineralization of dentin, known as dentinogenesis, begins with the deposition of unmineralized predentin, which then calcifies into structured layers through the formation and coalescence of mineral globules. The central pulp is a soft, vascularized housed within the pulp chamber and root canals, containing fibroblasts, undifferentiated mesenchymal cells, blood vessels, and nerves that provide nutrition and innervation to the . It is organized into zones, including an outermost odontoblastic layer, a cell-rich zone with immune cells, and a central with larger vessels. The , a thin, mineralized layer covering the root surface, resembles bone in composition (with cementocytes embedded in lacunae) and facilitates attachment to the alveolar bone via the periodontal ligament, a collagenous fibrous connective tissue that absorbs occlusal forces and houses proprioceptive nerves, cementoblasts, and fibroblasts. Tooth development, or odontogenesis, originates from reciprocal interactions between ectodermal and neural crest-derived , forming teeth as ectodermal appendages. Primary teeth initiate at 6 to 8 weeks of , while begin forming later, with their buds appearing from the 20th week of through the first few postnatal years. The process unfolds in distinct embryological stages, beginning with the initiation stage around the 6th week of , where the oral epithelium thickens into the dental lamina, a band of ectodermal cells that invaginates into the underlying to specify tooth-forming sites through epithelial-mesenchymal signaling. In the bud stage (8th to 9th weeks), epithelial buds protrude from the dental lamina into the , surrounded by condensing mesenchymal cells that form the (future pulp and dentin) and (future supporting tissues). This stage involves initial epithelial-mesenchymal interactions mediated by signaling pathways such as (FGF), which promotes mesenchymal condensation and epithelial proliferation. The cap stage (9th to 10th weeks for primary teeth) features further invagination of the , creating a cap-like structure with a concave inner enamel epithelium that induces the underlying to differentiate. Here, (BMP) signaling from the patterns tooth identity and initiates ameloblast differentiation in the epithelium. The differentiates into the periodontal ligament precursors. During the bell stage (11th to 12th weeks), the fully encircles the , forming distinct layers: the outer enamel epithelium, stellate reticulum, intermedium, and inner enamel epithelium. Epithelial-mesenchymal interactions intensify, with Wnt signaling activating genes for enamel knot formation—a transient signaling center that expresses Sonic hedgehog (Shh) and other factors to regulate cusp patterning, inhibit epithelial proliferation, and shape the tooth crown. Odontoblasts differentiate under epithelial influence via and FGF, initiating deposition, followed by ameloblasts forming . The tooth germ at this stage comprises the trilaminar structure of , , and , with mineralization processes commencing as odontoblasts secrete predentin and ameloblasts produce enamel matrix for subsequent calcification. Root development follows crown formation via Hertwig's epithelial root sheath, derived from the cervical loop.

Natural Regeneration in Animals

In non-mammalian vertebrates such as , reptiles, and amphibians, polyphyodonty enables the continuous replacement of teeth throughout an animal's life, contrasting with the limited in most mammals. This regenerative capacity relies on persistent epithelial structures that support multiple generations of teeth, providing models for understanding evolutionary adaptations in dental renewal. Sharks exemplify polyphyodonty among , where are replaced continuously in organized rows through the activity of the dental lamina, an epithelial band that generates successive primordia while functional are shed lingually. In reptiles, such as alligators, renew annually, with each position capable of up to approximately 50 replacements over a lifespan of about 50 years, facilitated by family units consisting of a functional , a successor, and a remnant dental lamina. Amphibians, including species like laevis and pipiens, also display lifelong succession, where the dental lamina maintains connections between developing and the oral epithelium, allowing conical or bicuspid to form and replace without significant interruption. Among mammals, exceptions to diphyodonty include continuous eruption of in like mice, driven by niches at the cervical loop, which houses epithelial progenitors in the outer enamel epithelium and stellate reticulum to sustain growth at rates of about 365 microns per day. In mice, regeneration occurs rapidly after experimental cutting, with quiescent mesenchymal mobilizing to replenish progenitors and restore length, whereas molars lack this capacity and remain non-regenerative. Some marsupials exhibit limited replacement, with only one per jaw—the deciduous —replaced postnatally, a pattern ancestral to the group and linked to their reproductive biology. Key mechanisms underlying these regenerative processes involve specialized niches and signaling pathways that differ across species. In animals, epithelial stem cells reside in the dental lamina, enabling perpetual renewal through label-retaining progenitors on the lingual side. In , the cervical loop niche maintains stem cells via repression of (such as Hoxa9 and Hoxc9) by Bmi1, preventing premature , while Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling, marked by Gli1 expression, drives progenitor and ameloblast formation essential for . These differences in Hox expression and Shh pathway activity contribute to the evolutionary shift from continuous tooth in non-mammals to limited renewal in mammals.

Historical Overview

Early Discoveries and Concepts

In , documented observations on growth and teething in his fourth-century BC treatise On Dentition, describing symptoms such as itching gums, fever, convulsions, and diarrhea associated with primary in children. These early accounts represented foundational conceptualizations of development as a natural, albeit challenging, physiological process, influencing subsequent medical thought on dental emergence. The 18th century marked a shift toward understanding the internal vitality of teeth, with Scottish surgeon John Hunter's The Natural History of the Human Teeth (1771) providing the first detailed description of the dental pulp as a living, vascular, and sensitive tissue essential for tooth nutrition and repair, challenging prior views of teeth as inert structures. By the mid-19th century, advances in enabled deeper insights into tooth histology; Swiss anatomist utilized these techniques to elucidate the cellular composition of dental tissues, including and formation, in works such as his 1854 studies on tissue microstructure, laying groundwork for recognizing regenerative-like processes in dental hard tissues. In the early , experimental advanced concepts of dental repair, with Bernhard Gottlieb's 1930s investigations in demonstrating the potential for vital pulp preservation in treatments and highlighting epithelial attachment mechanisms that supported regeneration ideas in periodontics. Complementing this, Rudolf Kronfeld's 1931 paper on repair following tooth fracture detailed the formation of reparative dentin as a response to injury, illustrating how odontoblasts could bridge defects and restore pulp-dentin integrity, serving as an early precursor to broader regenerative theories. Post-World War II, increasingly emphasized the "regenerative potential" of dental tissues, spurred by wartime experiences with and the establishment of institutions like the National Institute of Dental Research in 1948, which promoted vital pulp therapies and tissue repair strategies as alternatives to extraction. Concurrently, studies, building on Clifford Grobstein's work on inductive tissue interactions, introduced hypotheses on epithelial-mesenchymal induction in tooth development, positing reciprocal signaling between these layers to orchestrate and inspire later regeneration models.

Major Advancements in the 20th and 21st Centuries

In the mid-20th century, researchers began exploring the regenerative potential of dental tissues through transplantation experiments in animal models. During the and , studies demonstrated that dental papilla cells could induce tooth structure formation when recombined with epithelial tissues, marking an early shift toward understanding mesenchymal-epithelial interactions in odontogenesis. For instance, experiments involving the transplantation of mouse with non-dental resulted in the regeneration of and enamel-like structures, highlighting the inductive capacity of dental . The 1990s and early 2000s saw pivotal advancements in identifying sources within dental tissues. In 2000, Songtao Shi and colleagues isolated dental pulp s (DPSCs) from human third molars, revealing their ability to differentiate into dentin-pulp complexes both and after transplantation into immunocompromised mice. This discovery established DPSCs as a key postnatal population for tooth regeneration, with high proliferative capacity and odontogenic potential. Building on this, the identification of s from the apical papilla (SCAPs) in 2006 further expanded accessible sources, as these cells supported root formation and dentin regeneration in preclinical models. A landmark achievement occurred in 2007 when Japanese researchers, including those from Takashi Tsuji's laboratory, successfully bioengineered functional tooth germs from dissociated embryonic mouse cells, which were transplanted into adult mouse alveolar bone to form mature teeth capable of erupting and responding to stimuli. This organ germ method represented a breakthrough in , enabling the reconstitution of complex tooth structures from single-cell suspensions. Concurrently, Paul Sharpe's laboratory at advanced re-aggregation techniques using , laying groundwork for scalable tooth bioengineering. The marked a conceptual transition from gross transplantation to precise molecular interventions, incorporating gene editing tools like CRISPR-Cas9 to manipulate tooth organoids. Early applications in the late demonstrated CRISPR's utility in editing genes within dental stem cell-derived organoids, enhancing odontogenic differentiation and modeling tooth development defects. This molecular approach complemented pharmacological strategies, such as the 2018 Japanese preclinical studies on USAG-1 inhibition, where antibody blockade in mice and ferrets promoted supernumerary tooth formation by modulating signaling. In , researchers advanced cell reprogramming techniques, including efforts to convert oral epithelial cells into pluripotent states for dental applications, though direct Harvard-affiliated studies focused more on characterization for repair. International collaborations, such as the EuroGCT , have facilitated cross-European efforts in and cell therapies, supporting advancements in dental regeneration through shared protocols and ethical frameworks for -based interventions. In 2024, Japanese researchers initiated the world's first human clinical trials of an anti-USAG-1 antibody drug at Hospital, aiming to induce supernumerary tooth growth in patients with congenital tooth or post-extraction loss, with trials expected to conclude by 2030. Concurrently, U.S. researchers at reported successful bioengineered tooth formation in adult minipigs using decellularized tooth bud scaffolds seeded with human dental pulp cells, producing tooth-like structures with root development after 4 months implantation, advancing toward potential human investigational applications. These milestones underscore the progression toward clinically viable tooth regeneration strategies.

Regenerative Approaches

Stem Cell Therapies

Stem cell therapies represent a cornerstone of regenerative , leveraging the multipotent capabilities of various populations to restore structure and function. Dental-derived , such as dental stem cells (DPSCs), stem cells from human exfoliated (SHED), and periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs), are isolated from oral tissues and exhibit high proliferative potential and capacity toward odontogenic lineages. Non-dental alternatives, including induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) reprogrammed from cells, offer ethical advantages and broad for generating dental-specific progenitors. These cells can be directed to form dentin- complexes, addressing congenital defects, trauma-induced loss, or age-related degeneration. The primary mechanism underlying stem cell-based tooth regeneration involves the directed differentiation of these cells into odontoblasts and ameloblasts, the key cellular builders of dentin and enamel, respectively. Growth factors such as bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) play pivotal roles in this process; BMP-2 promotes mesenchymal condensation and odontoblastic differentiation by activating Smad signaling pathways in dental mesenchymal stem cells, while TGF-β enhances proliferation and matrix mineralization in pulp-derived cells. Culturing can occur in scaffold-free systems, where cell aggregates or sheets self-assemble via cell-cell interactions to mimic natural tissue architecture, or scaffold-based approaches that provide biomechanical support for enhanced vascularization and deposition, though the former emphasizes intrinsic cellular potency. Isolation of these stem cells typically employs enzymatic protocols to extract viable populations from dental tissues. For DPSCs and , pulp tissue is minced and treated with collagenase type I and dispase for 30-60 minutes at 37°C, followed by filtration and plating in culture media supplemented with , yielding mesenchymal-like colonies within 7-14 days. PDLSCs are similarly isolated from periodontal ligaments using trypsin-EDTA . studies demonstrate high efficacy, with achieving approximately 82% successful isolation under odontogenic induction media containing dexamethasone and ascorbic acid. A notable example of translational potential is the use of in pulp regeneration, as reported in early clinical case studies where autologous SHED transplants into immature with necrotic resulted in radiographic evidence of root development and vitality restoration over 12-24 months, highlighting their safety and regenerative efficacy without adverse events.

Tissue Engineering Techniques

Tissue engineering techniques for tooth regeneration involve the design and fabrication of biomimetic scaffolds that provide a three-dimensional framework to guide cellular organization, proliferation, and differentiation toward functional dental structures such as , , and . These approaches emphasize non-cellular constructs, including biomaterials that mimic the (ECM) to support ingrowth without relying on exogenous cells as the primary driver. Scaffolds are engineered to possess for , biocompatibility to avoid immune rejection, and bioresorbability to allow gradual replacement by native . Key scaffold materials include natural hydrogels like and alginate, which offer high and mimic the native to facilitate cell attachment and migration. -based hydrogels, derived from animal sources, provide a soft, fibrous network that supports dental pulp regeneration by promoting vascularization and formation, with enzymatic degradation via collagenase ensuring controlled resorption. Alginate hydrogels, often crosslinked with calcium ions, serve as injectable matrices for dentin-pulp complexes, enabling periodontal and pulp regeneration through their mild gelling properties and ability to encapsulate bioactive cues. Synthetic polymers such as poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) () are fabricated via to create precise architectures, offering tunable porosity and mechanical strength suitable for load-bearing dental tissues. Decellularized extracellular matrices (dECM), processed from porcine or bovine dental tissues, retain native biochemical signals and hierarchical structures, enhancing regeneration of complex interfaces like the dentin-enamel junction when combined with hydrogels for improved handling. Advanced fabrication techniques include bioprinting, which enables the layer-by-layer deposition of bioinks containing scaffold materials to form tooth bud-like structures that recapitulate embryonic . This method allows spatial control over material composition, such as gradient scaffolds transitioning from soft pulp-like hydrogels to rigid dentin-mimicking polymers, fostering organized tissue assembly. For pulp-dentin complexes, vascularization integration is critical; scaffolds incorporate angiogenic motifs or perfusable channels to promote endothelial infiltration and neovascular networks, ensuring supply in avascular dental cores. These techniques often briefly integrate stem cells for enhanced outcomes, but the scaffold itself drives structural fidelity. Scaffolds are optimized with mechanical properties matching native dentin, exhibiting elastic moduli of 15-20 GPa to withstand occlusal forces while permitting flexibility for vitality. Degradation rates are tailored to 6-12 months via copolymer ratios in or crosslinking density in hydrogels, aligning scaffold resorption with maturation to prevent fibrous encapsulation.

Pharmacological and Gene-Based Methods

Pharmacological approaches to regeneration focus on administering agents that modulate signaling pathways to stimulate endogenous formation, bypassing the need for exogenous or implantation. A prominent example is the use of monoclonal antibodies targeting USAG-1 (also known as SOSTDC1), a protein that antagonizes (BMP) and Wnt signaling during . By neutralizing USAG-1, these antibodies enhance BMP activity, promoting the initiation and progression of buds in models of congenital . In preclinical studies using mice with mutations in genes like Eda or Msx1, a single systemic of anti-USAG-1 at 16 μg/g body weight rescued approximately 75% of missing mandibular molars, restoring normal . Similar results were observed in ferrets, a diphyodont model more akin to , where three injections at 80 μg/g induced supernumerary formation resembling a third . Delivery of these pharmacological agents typically involves localized or systemic injections to target regions, minimizing off-target effects on other BMP-regulated tissues like . For instance, in postnatal ferrets, targeted administration around the area led to tooth bud eruption within months, demonstrating the potential for precise dosing in clinical translation. Growth factors such as (VEGF) complement these efforts by promoting vascularization essential for regenerated dental viability. Recombinant VEGF, when incorporated into scaffolds or applied directly, has been shown to increase microvessel density and support regeneration in models of dental injury, with concentrations around 10-50 ng/mL enhancing without inhibiting cell proliferation. Gene-based methods leverage molecular tools to alter genetic expression , aiming to correct developmental defects or activate regenerative pathways. RNA interference techniques, such as (siRNA) targeting USAG-1, have demonstrated efficacy in rescuing arrested tooth development. In Runx2-deficient mice, local application of USAG-1 siRNA via cationized achieved approximately 50% knockdown of USAG-1 mRNA, resulting in 42% of explants showing partial growth, including odontogenic epithelial structures. Delivery through hydrogels allows sustained release over 10 days, improving targeting to mandibular tissues. Viral vector-mediated offers a strategy to deliver key odontogenic genes like Pax9 and Msx1, which are implicated in non-syndromic when mutated. (AAV) vectors, prized for their long-term expression and low immunogenicity, can transduce dental mesenchymal cells to overexpress these transcription factors, potentially stimulating dormant germs. Feasibility studies indicate AAV's suitability for postnatal delivery to induce supernumerary teeth by modulating BMP/Wnt pathways, with Msx1 enhancement linked to increased bud formation in USAG-1-deficient models. For , a master regulator of osteogenic and odontogenic differentiation, / editing has been explored to fine-tune its expression in dental stem cells, promoting differentiation toward -forming lineages without full . In vitro applications show CRISPR-mediated knockdown enhances osteogenic potential in periodontal ligament stem cells, suggesting broader utility for editing in repair contexts. These methods converge toward clinical application, exemplified by preparations for human trials of anti-USAG-1 at . Phase 1 trials, initiated in September 2024 and completed by August 2025, involved intravenous administration to 30 healthy adult males aged 30–64 with at least one missing tooth, primarily assessing safety and dosing for congenital partial anodontia. Phase 2 efficacy trials for children are planned to begin in 2025, with potential drug availability by 2030.

Current Research and Applications

Preclinical Studies

Preclinical studies on regeneration have primarily utilized and animal models to establish proof-of-concept for various regenerative techniques, focusing on the development of functional structures from stem cells and scaffolds. approaches, such as cultures, have enabled the simulation of development outside living organisms. For instance, a 2020 study developed a porcine organ culture model using a to maintain dental and periodontal tissues, demonstrating viable epithelial-mesenchymal interactions essential for odontogenesis. These provide a controlled to study and tissue assembly prior to testing. In vivo experiments in small animal models like and have shown promising results for implantation and eruption. Bioengineered germs transplanted into jawbones have developed into mature teeth that erupt into the oral cavity within 4-6 weeks, exhibiting and formation with and layers. Similarly, in models, scaffolds seeded with dental cells have led to structured tooth-like tissues observable after 4 weeks of subcutaneous growth followed by orthotopic implantation. Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) imaging has been instrumental in these studies, allowing non-invasive assessment of regenerated volume and microstructure, such as length and chamber dimensions. Larger animal models, particularly , have tested scalability and functionality of regenerated teeth. In pigs, allogeneic mesenchymal cell-based bio-root regeneration has achieved approximately 50% success in forming functional tooth structures capable of supporting artificial crowns, with crown-root formation confirmed histologically. These outcomes highlight the potential for periodontal integration but also reveal variability in eruption and vascularization. A notable example involves pharmacological approaches to stimulate third-generation teeth in ferrets, a model with closer to humans. researchers demonstrated that neutralizing the USAG-1 protein via antibody therapy enhanced signaling, leading to the regeneration of supernumerary teeth in ferrets, as reported in a 2021 study building on earlier inactivation work. This approach induced full tooth development, including and , without surgical implantation. Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived models have advanced toward more complex innervation in higher mammals. Although primate-specific tooth studies remain limited, iPSC technologies have generated dental organoids showing neural integration in hosts. These findings suggest potential for sensory restoration in regenerated . Despite these successes, preclinical translation faces challenges in scaling from to humans, primarily due to size mismatches in tooth dimensions and architecture, which affect nutrient diffusion and mechanical loading in larger models. teeth, being smaller, regenerate more uniformly but fail to replicate human occlusal forces, necessitating larger animals like pigs for better .

Clinical Trials and Human Applications

Clinical trials for tooth regeneration have primarily focused on and stem cell-based approaches to restore dental vitality and promote development in immature teeth, serving as alternatives to traditional procedures. In these Phase I and II trials, techniques such as revascularization have demonstrated success rates of approximately 84-88% in achieving continued maturation and apical closure, with radiographic evidence of bridge formation observed in pediatric patients treated for necrotic . For instance, a of revascularization procedures in immature necrotic teeth reported an 88.3% success rate, including significant elongation and thickening, alongside pain reduction in over 90% of cases. These outcomes position as a viable clinical application for preserving avulsed or traumatized teeth, where case studies of delayed reimplantation have shown functional healing and reduced periapical lesions through induced tissue regeneration. Stem cell therapies, particularly using dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), have advanced to early human trials for treating irreversible and pulp . A pilot clinical study involving five patients with irreversible demonstrated the safety and feasibility of autologous DPSC transplantation, with monitoring up to 24 weeks showing pulp regeneration without adverse events and improved clinical symptoms such as reduced to percussion. Larger randomized controlled trials have confirmed these findings, reporting positive pulp responses in 71-86% of cases treated with DPSCs or stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth () combined with scaffolds like , highlighting their potential for vital pulp in mature teeth. These Phase I/II efforts underscore the translation of preclinical research into human applications, with ongoing trials evaluating long-term efficacy in endodontic regeneration. A landmark development in full tooth replacement is the Japanese Phase I clinical trial of an anti-USAG-1 antibody (TRG-035) to stimulate regrowth in patients with congenital anodontia, initiated in September 2024 at Hospital, with follow-up completed in August 2025. This safety trial involved 30 healthy adult males aged 30-64 who were missing at least one , aiming to assess tolerability and preliminary through intravenous . In September 2025, TRG-035 received designation from Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare for the treatment of severe congenital anodontia. Building on preclinical success in ferrets, the trial targeted suppression of the USAG-1 protein to reactivate dormant tooth buds, paving the way for Phase II studies in children with agenesis and potential Phase III expansion for broader applications like post-extraction regeneration by 2030. Initial reports indicate no major safety concerns in the early cohort, marking the first human evaluation of pharmacological induction.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Biological and Technical Barriers

One of the primary biological hurdles in tooth regeneration is the immune rejection of allogeneic cells, which triggers T-cell, B-cell, and responses due to disparities, often leading to graft failure without tolerance induction strategies such as regulatory T-cell therapy or immunosuppressive biomaterials. This risk is particularly pronounced in dental applications, where limited autologous tooth germ cell sources necessitate allogeneic or xenogeneic cells, complicating whole-tooth bioengineering despite successful demonstrations in minipig models. Additionally, bioengineered enamel frequently exhibits incomplete , with significantly lower than natural 's 95% by weight, limiting and long-term functionality in restorative contexts. Technical challenges further impede progress, notably vascularization failure in engineered constructs, where nutrient diffusion is restricted to small scales of 1-2 mm, resulting in central beyond this threshold due to inadequate oxygen and exchange in avascular scaffolds. Innervation deficits also pose a barrier, as disrupts dental stem migration and reparative formation, yielding non-functional sensation and impaired in regenerated tissues. These issues are exacerbated by high rates in scaffolds, often reaching 20-30% under suboptimal conditions like increased stiffness, which reduces viability and hinders integration. Size scaling from models to clinical applications remains problematic, with inconsistent regeneration observed in larger animal teeth (e.g., ferrets or dogs with 15-17 mm canines) due to poor blood supply in narrow root canals and complex multirooted structures, contrasting reliable outcomes in smaller models. Specific examples include failures in large animal trials, such as dogs, where ectopic mineralization—chaotic calcified clusters rather than organized —arises from sensory innervation deficits, leading to misplaced odontoblastic differentiation and incomplete functional .

Ethical Considerations and Potential Impacts

Ethical considerations in tooth regeneration encompass equity in access and , particularly given the potential for high costs associated with these therapies. Regenerative treatments may initially be expensive, limiting availability to affluent populations and exacerbating disparities between cosmetic enhancements and essential medical applications for conditions like congenital tooth defects. For instance, stem cell-based approaches could prioritize aesthetic improvements over restorative needs in low-resource settings, raising concerns about healthcare justice. Additionally, obtaining in pediatric trials for congenital anomalies poses challenges, as guardians must weigh long-term benefits against unknown risks in growing children, necessitating robust ethical oversight to protect vulnerable participants. Regulatory frameworks for tooth regeneration therapies, especially those involving stem cells and biologics, are guided by stringent guidelines from bodies like the FDA and . The FDA's Cellular and Gene Therapy Guidances, updated in 2024, emphasize expedited programs for while requiring rigorous safety and efficacy data for dental applications, including products derived from dental pulp; in September 2025, the FDA issued additional guidance on innovative designs for cellular and products in small populations, facilitating faster development for rare dental conditions. Similarly, the 's biological guidelines outline requirements for marketing authorization of biologics, focusing on quality control and non-clinical testing, though specific dental endorsements remain limited as of 2024. issues in gene-edited teeth, such as CRISPR-based modifications for enhanced dental structures, are complicated by ongoing disputes over editing technologies, potentially hindering and access if exclusive rights dominate commercialization. The potential societal and economic impacts of tooth regeneration are profound, with implications for and industry growth. Societally, successful regeneration could diminish the demand for traditional and prosthetics by addressing congenital and acquired , thereby improving , , and social participation for affected individuals. Economically, the global tooth regeneration market is projected to reach approximately USD 7.3 billion by 2030, driven by rising incidences of and aesthetic demands, though this growth underscores the need to balance profitability with equitable distribution. Debates on "designer teeth" enhancements highlight bioethical tensions, as cosmetic applications risk promoting unnecessary interventions and overtreatment, echoing broader concerns in aesthetic about patient autonomy versus .

References

  1. [1]
    The comprehensive progress of tooth regeneration from the tooth ...
    Jul 31, 2025 · This review comprehensively analyzes the latest research progress in the biological foundations of tooth regeneration, stem cell applications, ...
  2. [2]
    Advances in tooth agenesis and tooth regeneration - ScienceDirect
    In this review, we present the scientific progress toward tooth regeneration that has resulted from almost two decades of research.
  3. [3]
    Tooth Repair and Regeneration: Potential of Dental Stem Cells - PMC
    In this review we first discuss current research on developmental and stem cell biology of dental tissue and whole tooth regeneration, and subsequently how ...
  4. [4]
    Histology, Tooth - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf - NIH
    Jun 26, 2023 · Dentin is less hard than enamel but still harder than bone and is composed of weight 70% mineralized material, 20% organic material, and 10% ...
  5. [5]
    Embryology, Teeth - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
    Jul 25, 2023 · The different layers of tooth i.e., enamel, dentin, pulp, and cementum, play different roles—enamel functions to protect the dentin.
  6. [6]
    Signaling Networks Regulating Tooth Organogenesis and ... - PMC
    Teeth develop as ectodermal appendages from epithelial and mesenchymal tissues. Tooth organogenesis is regulated by an intricate network of cell–cell signaling.
  7. [7]
    Biology of tooth replacement in amniotes - PMC - PubMed Central
    Jun 21, 2013 · We review the mechanisms of tooth replacement in reptiles and mammals, and discuss in detail the current and historical theories on control of timing and ...
  8. [8]
    Role of Cell Death in Cellular Processes During Odontogenesis - PMC
    In polyphyodont species with lifelong tooth replacement (most reptiles, amphibians, and fishes), the dental lamina connects the tooth to the oral epithelium ...
  9. [9]
    MicroCT Imaging on Living Alligator Teeth Reveals Natural Tooth ...
    In alligators, three teeth at different stages of development are present at each tooth position which comprise a tooth family unit. Teeth cycle through phases ...
  10. [10]
    identification, regulation and evolution of incisor stem cells - PMC
    The epithelial stem cells, which are the principal focus of this review, reside in a niche called the cervical loop; the mesenchymal stem cells in the dental ...
  11. [11]
    A quiescent cell population replenishes mesenchymal stem ... - NIH
    Jan 25, 2018 · The authors show that upon cutting of adult incisors, a sub-population of dental mesenchymal stem cells reactivates, allowing an increased growth rate and ...
  12. [12]
    Fossil evidence for the origin of the marsupial pattern of tooth ...
    Feb 22, 1996 · EXTANT marsupials are distinctive in their pattern of dental development1, in that only one tooth is replaced postnatally in each jaw.
  13. [13]
    Bmi1 represses Ink4a/Arf and Hox genes to regulate stem cells in ...
    Genetic analyses have shown that development of the incisor stem cells is controlled by TGF-β/BMP and FGF signaling and that adult stem cells require active SHH ...
  14. [14]
    It's only teething... A report of the myths and modern approaches to ...
    Jul 14, 2001 · In the fourth century bc, Hippocrates wrote a short treatise, On Dentition, 'Teething children suffer from itching of the gums, fevers, ...
  15. [15]
    Say a prayer for the safe cutting of a child's teeth: The folklore of ...
    Aug 3, 2017 · 5 Hippocrates taught that teeth derive nourishment from the uterus before birth but receive nourishment from the mother's milk after birth. This ...
  16. [16]
    John Hunter - NYU College of Dentistry
    This book, first published in 1771, details the form and structure of the dentition, jaws, and related muscles, how the teeth develop, their customary ...Missing: pulp vitality
  17. [17]
    [PDF] How histology enriched endodontics as a specialty & nurtured pulp ...
    Jun 23, 2017 · Bernhard Gottlieb (1885-1950) who was the Director of the Dental. Institute at the University of Vienna Austria. Gottlieb continued the.
  18. [18]
    Bernhard Gottlieb's impact on contemporary endodontology - PubMed
    In the 1930s he began to address in the European sector, root canal treatment in teeth with a vital pulp; following his immigration to the United States, he ...Missing: transplantation experiments
  19. [19]
  20. [20]
    Evolution of the Scientific Basis for Dentistry and Its Impact on Dental ...
    Jan 1, 2012 · This heralded the advent of “regenerative medicine/dentistry” and visions for remarkable innovations for cell, tissue, and organ regeneration.World War Ll And Its Effects · Creation Of The Nidr (1948)... · Exemplary Individuals<|separator|>
  21. [21]
    Perspectives on Tissue Interactions in Development and Disease
    The foundation for the field of mammalian mesenchymal-epithelial interactions was primarily laid in the 1950s by Grobstein's seminal work on the development of ...
  22. [22]
    Mapping the milestones in tooth regeneration: Current trends and ...
    in 1970 and later in 1980 Kollar et al. regenerated tooth structure in anterior chamber of eye by recombining mouse dental papilla with epithelium from foot and ...
  23. [23]
    Homotransplantation of tooth buds - ScienceDirect.com
    Freshly dissected molar tooth buds taken from 19-day rat foetuses were transplanted to adult male hosts. The sites of implantation were under the skin and ...
  24. [24]
    Postnatal human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) in vitro and in vivo
    In this study, we isolated a clonogenic, rapidly proliferative population of cells from adult human dental pulp.
  25. [25]
    Postnatal human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) in vitro and in vivo
    This study isolates postnatal human DPSCs that have the ability to form a dentin/pulp-like complex.
  26. [26]
    Stem cell sources for tooth regeneration: current status and future ...
    Feb 4, 2014 · Stem cells from the apical papilla (SCAPs) are found in the papilla tissue in the apical part of the roots of developing teeth. The third ...
  27. [27]
    (PDF) The development of a bioengineered organ germ method
    Aug 10, 2025 · To bioengineer ectodermal organs such as teeth and whisker follicles, we developed a three-dimensional organ-germ culture method.
  28. [28]
    Regrowing Teeth | MIT Technology Review
    Feb 22, 2007 · Sharpe's lab is looking for adult stem cells, including those found in bone marrow and dental gum, as possible candidates for regrowing teeth.
  29. [29]
    (PDF) APPLICATIONS OF CRISPR TECHNOLOGY IN DENTISTRY
    Jun 18, 2020 · In this review, we discuss an overview of CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing technique and its applications specially in dentistry.<|separator|>
  30. [30]
    Harnessing Crispr-cas9 Technology in Dentistry: A Promising ...
    May 6, 2024 · CRISPR-mediated enhancement of dental stem cells can facilitate tissue regeneration in dental pulp and periodontal tissues [7,8]. Furthermore, ...
  31. [31]
  32. [32]
    Reprogramming oral epithelial keratinocytes into a pluripotent ... - NIH
    We set out to reprogram adult somatic oral epithelial keratinocytes into pluripotent cells for regenerative dentistry.Missing: Harvard | Show results with:Harvard
  33. [33]
    Investigating the Role of Stem Cells in Tooth Repair
    Jan 10, 2022 · Their study seeks to identify and characterize the dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) responsible for dentin repair in molar teeth.
  34. [34]
    About EuroGCT
    The consortium comprises leading cell and gene therapy research labs across Europe working together with product developers, ethicists, lawyers, social ...Missing: tooth | Show results with:tooth
  35. [35]
    Insight into the Role of Dental Pulp Stem Cells in Regenerative ...
    In so far as regeneration of neural tissues, DPSCs might be a better cell source than SHEDs, whereas SHEDs exhibit superior therapeutic effects on regeneration ...
  36. [36]
    Dental stem cells: recent progresses in tissue engineering and ...
    Currently, there are five main DSCs, dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), stem cells from exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED), stem cells from apical papilla (SCAP), ...Dental Stem Cells · Applications Of Dscs · Corneal Epithelium...
  37. [37]
    Dental applications of induced pluripotent stem cells and their ... - NIH
    Apr 30, 2022 · This review introduced the updated technologies of inducing iPSC-derived NCCs and iPSC-derived MSCs and their application in periodontal and tooth regeneration.
  38. [38]
    BMP signaling in the development and regeneration of tooth roots
    Sep 15, 2023 · Multiple studies have demonstrated the critical role of BMP-2 in dentin development, where it determines the fate of dental mesenchymal stem ...
  39. [39]
    TGF-β promotes the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of ...
    The pooled data showed that TGF-β could promote the proliferation and ossification of dental pulp stem cells.
  40. [40]
    Scaffold-Free Strategies in Dental Pulp/Dentine Tissue Engineering
    Feb 18, 2025 · This review provides a comprehensive overview of cell-based, self-assembling and scaffold-free approaches in dental pulp tissue engineering
  41. [41]
    Isolation and culture of dental pulp stem cells from permanent ... - NIH
    We aim to develop a protocol for the isolation and culture of dental pulp stem cells from permanent and deciduous teeth with a long term goal of their use in ...
  42. [42]
    Isolation of dental pulp and periodontal cells from human teeth for ...
    Nov 18, 2021 · Classical dental pulp cells and periodontal cells isolation protocols often rely on enzymatic digestion via combinations of Trypsin, Dispase ...
  43. [43]
    Success rates in isolating mesenchymal stem cells from permanent ...
    Nov 14, 2019 · The overall successful isolation rate of SHED and hDPSCs was 82% and 70%. The average patient ages at extraction of the deciduous teeth and permanent teeth ...
  44. [44]
    Odontoblast-like Cytodifferentiation of Dental Stem Cells: A Review
    The series of experiments both in vitro and in vivo asserted that dental mesenchymal stem cells can efficiently differentiate into functional odontoblast-like ...
  45. [45]
    Biomaterials in Tooth Tissue Engineering: A Review - PMC - NIH
    Jan 12, 2014 · Alginate hydrogels provide an appropriate matrix on which dentin pulp regeneration and periodontal regeneration can take place and may also ...
  46. [46]
  47. [47]
    Bioprinting and biomaterials for dental alveolar tissue regeneration
    Here, we review the recent developments in the application of 3D bioprinting to dental tissue engineering.
  48. [48]
    Prevascularization techniques for dental pulp regeneration - Frontiers
    This review focuses on the recent advances in the application of prevascularization techniques for pulp regeneration, considers dental stem cells as a ...
  49. [49]
    [PDF] A Micromechanics Model of the Elastic Properties of Human Dentin
    Feb 18, 1999 · Measurements of the Young's modulus span a range from about 10 to 20 GPa, a range that appears to be independent of testing method (see Table 1) ...
  50. [50]
    Polymeric Scaffolds Used in Dental Pulp Regeneration by Tissue ...
    Examples of natural material scaffolds are collagen, alginate ... scaffolds have higher controlled degradation levels and mechanical properties [63].
  51. [51]
    Biofunctionalization of silk fibroin scaffolds with enamel matrix ...
    Feb 20, 2025 · This study aimed to assess the capacity of SF matrices biologized with injectable platelet-rich fibrin (iPRF) or enamel matrix protein (EMP) to modulate ...
  52. [52]
    Anti–USAG-1 therapy for tooth regeneration through enhanced BMP ...
    Feb 12, 2021 · Our results demonstrate that USAG-1 controls the number of teeth by inhibiting development of potential tooth germs in wild-type or mutant mice missing teeth.
  53. [53]
    Evaluation of vascular endothelial growth factor – A release from ...
    Jan 16, 2021 · Previous studies have shown that recombinant VEGF promoted angiogenesis and increased the microvessel density of dental pulp.
  54. [54]
    Local application of Usag-1 siRNA can promote tooth regeneration ...
    Jul 1, 2021 · The results showed that local application of Usag-1 Stealth small interfering RNA (siRNA) promoted tooth development following Runx2 siRNA-induced agenesis.
  55. [55]
    Feasibility of Gene Therapy for Tooth Regeneration by Stimulation of ...
    Feb 27, 2013 · In this review, we present an overview of the collective knowledge of tooth regeneration, especially regarding the control of the number of teeth for gene ...
  56. [56]
    Efficient CRISPR-Cas9-based knockdown of RUNX2 to ... - PubMed
    Jan 18, 2022 · This study aimed to edit and knockdown the RUNX2 gene, a key transcription factor that is directly involved in all stages of stem cell differentiation into ...Missing: tooth | Show results with:tooth
  57. [57]
    Development of a new antibody drug to treat congenital tooth agenesis
    Oct 9, 2024 · Anti-USAG-1 neutralizing antibodies have been developed and will progress towards clinical trials, which may regenerate missing congenital teeth ...
  58. [58]
    Developing a Tooth in situ Organ Culture Model for Dental and ...
    The aim of this study was to develop a porcine tooth in situ organ culture model and a novel bioreactor suitable for future studies of periodontal regeneration.
  59. [59]
    Insulin-like growth factor 1 modulates bioengineered tooth ... - Nature
    Jan 23, 2019 · Upon transplantation into the jawbones of mice, bioengineered tooth germs developed into bioengineered teeth and erupted into the oral cavity; ...
  60. [60]
    Ameloblasts serum‐free conditioned medium: bone morphogenic ...
    Apr 18, 2013 · The implants were observed 4–6 weeks after injection and dissected 6 weeks after implantation. Samples were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde ...
  61. [61]
    Micro-computed tomography (CT) based assessment of dental ...
    Mar 17, 2015 · This study presents one of the first quantitative comparisons using non-destructive Micro-CT analysis for bone regenerative material in a large ...Missing: tooth | Show results with:tooth
  62. [62]
    Whole-Tooth Regeneration by Allogeneic Cell Reassociation in Pig ...
    Aug 8, 2025 · This method relies on the interaction between the dental mesenchyme and the dental epithelium to generate a bioengineered tooth bud.(66) Cells ...<|separator|>
  63. [63]
    Animal Models for Stem Cell-Based Pulp Regeneration - NIH
    This review summarizes and discusses the small and large animal models, including mouse, ferret, dog, and miniswine that have been utilized to experiment and ...Missing: limitations | Show results with:limitations
  64. [64]
    Characteristics of Large Animal Models for Current Cell-Based Oral ...
    This systematic review investigates porcine, canine, and ovine models for current oral cell-based regeneration procedures.
  65. [65]
    Is Revascularization the Treatment of Choice for Traumatized ... - MDPI
    Apr 2, 2023 · The results showed that RET techniques seemed to have high survival and success rates, 93.8% and 88.3%, respectively, in the treatment of ...
  66. [66]
    Regenerative Endodontics Clinical Outcomes of Immature Teeth ...
    The survival rate was 92%. The success rate was 84.3% with age, etiology of PN, type of medicament, and NaOCl concentration being significant predictors of ...
  67. [67]
    Outcome of regenerative endodontic procedures in delayed ...
    Sep 8, 2024 · This retrospective study aimed to assess the efficacy of REPs in treating delayed replanted immature permanent teeth with apical periodontitis.
  68. [68]
    Clinical Potential and Current Progress of Dental Pulp Stem Cells for ...
    Mar 6, 2019 · Five patients with irreversible pulpitis were enrolled and monitored for up to 24 weeks following DPSCs' transplantation. The authors used a ...
  69. [69]
    Clinical and radiographic outcomes of non-surgical retreatment of ...
    Apr 11, 2025 · The overall success rates in the BC and PRF groups were 95% and 100%, respectively (P > 0.05). Positive pulp responses were detected in 71% of ...
  70. [70]
    The Efficacy and Safety of Pulp Regeneration Induced by SHED ...
    This study is a single-center, prospective, single-arm study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pulp regeneration induced by SHED mixed with hyaluronic acid ...
  71. [71]
    Can teeth be regrown? - ADA News - American Dental Association
    Researchers at Kyoto University Hospital in Japan have already regrown teeth in the mouths of mice and ferrets, prompting experts to prepare for human testing ...<|separator|>
  72. [72]
    Researchers in Japan Discover Medicine Capable of Regrowing ...
    Apr 30, 2025 · Researchers in Japan have been developing a medication that may allow people to grow new teeth, and they're hopeful to have it ready for general use by 2030.Missing: induction | Show results with:induction
  73. [73]
    Overcoming immunological barriers in regenerative medicine - PMC
    Allogeneic cells of any type are at highest risk for rejection and require tolerance-inducing interventions. Observations from solid-organ transplantation ...
  74. [74]
    Tooth Formation: Are the Hardest Tissues of Human Body Hard to ...
    However, due to limited sources of tooth germ cells, the risk for immune rejection of allogeneic or xenogeneic cells, as well as ethical and legal constraints, ...
  75. [75]
    Next-Generation Strategies for Enamel Repair and Regeneration
    May 10, 2025 · Enamel regeneration and remineralization are critical for restoring enamel integrity, as natural enamel lacks the ability to regenerate due to ...
  76. [76]
    Current overview on challenges in regenerative endodontics - PMC
    Current regenerative procedures successfully produce root development but still fail to re-establish real pulp tissue and give unpredictable results.
  77. [77]
    Sensory nerves drive migration of dental pulp stem cells via the ...
    Aug 28, 2024 · The sensory innervation deficits caused a reduction in the collective cell migration of DPSCs, leading to substantial ectopic mineralization ...
  78. [78]
    3D culturing of human dental pulp stem cells at different strengths of ...
    As the collagen strength increases the rate of apoptosis increases in HDPSCs. There is a significant difference in early apoptosis between 2D and 3D medium gels ...
  79. [79]
    Animal Model for Regenerative Endodontology ... - Karger Publishers
    Sep 6, 2016 · Instead of pulp connective tissue, dense fibrous tissue or ectopic mineralized tissue was found in the root canal space. ... Biology Explaining ...
  80. [80]
    Regenerative Strategies in Dentistry: Harnessing Stem Cells ...
    Apr 8, 2025 · Scalability, standardization, and ethical considerations also need resolution, especially in sourcing and expanding stem cells reliably [32].
  81. [81]
    Cellular & Gene Therapy Guidances - FDA
    Sep 24, 2025 · Cellular & Gene Therapy Guidances · Expedited Programs for Regenerative Medicine Therapies for Serious Conditions; Draft Guidance for IndustryFrequently Asked Questions · Potency Assurance for Cellular...Missing: tooth | Show results with:tooth
  82. [82]
    Biological guidelines | European Medicines Agency (EMA)
    The European Medicines Agency's scientific guidelines on biological human medicines help applicants prepare marketing authorisation applications.Biologicals: active substance · Biologicals: finished product · Questions and answersMissing: 2024 dental
  83. [83]
    The Current State of IP in CRISPR-Based Therapies - Synthego
    Oct 3, 2025 · Synthego's sublicensing approach enables potential sublicensees to identify and optimize their CRISPR-based editing strategies through gene ...Missing: teeth | Show results with:teeth
  84. [84]
    Dental Regeneration Market Size Worth $7.8 Billion By 2030
    The global dental regeneration market size is expected to reach USD 7.8 billion by 2030, expanding at 6.1% CAGR from 2023 to 2030, according to a new report ...
  85. [85]
    Tooth Regeneration Communicating Dental Research Responsibly
    Apr 4, 2025 · Until clinical efficacy, safety, and accessibility are fully established, ethical communication must take precedence over hype.
  86. [86]
    Aesthetic dentistry and ethics: a systematic review of marketing ...
    Jan 27, 2025 · This study aims to explore the ethical dimensions of marketing practices and the phenomenon of overtreatment in cosmetic dental procedures.