Whole Tooth Regenerative Therapy Using a Bioengineered Tooth Germ

Abstract

Dental disorders, including dental caries and periodontal disease, can cause fundamental problems for oral functions, such as enunciation, mastication and occlusion, as well as general health issues. Tooth regenerative therapies for tissue repair and whole tooth replacement are currently being developed as novel treatment approaches. As a form of bioengineered organ replacement, whole tooth replacement therapy is considered an important model system for next-generation regenerative therapy. We recently reported bioengineered tooth replacements after transplantation of a bioengineered tooth germ or mature tooth unit comprising the bioengineered tooth and periodontal tissues. Whole tooth regenerative therapy has the potential to fully restore tooth function, including masticatory potential in response to mechanical stress and perceptive potential for noxious stimulation. In this review, we describe recent findings and technologies underpinning tooth regenerative therapy.