http://www.local6.com/sh/health/stories/health-168826620020926-090900.html
Boston Scientists Grow Teeth In Lab Dentists May Soon Give Up Mechanical Implants Updated: 10:16 a.m. EDT September 26, 2002 BOSTON -- Boston scientists have grown teeth in the lab -- a development that could someday make dentures a thing of the past. Doctors at Boston's Forsyth Institute say they grew complex, accurate versions of natural teeth. They are reportedly the first to make a collection of individual cells grow into teeth. The dean of Harvard's School of Dental Medicine calls the lab success "very exciting." The project implanted stem cells from a pig into rats to grow the teeth. The lead researcher said scientists must now find a way to coax tooth roots to grow. They already have grown small tooth crowns, and hope eventually to grow larger, more complete teeth. Researchers said that it would be at least a decade before the technique could be used to help patients. But the research raises the possibility that dentists in the future can dispense with mechanical implants such as dentures, bridges and artificial crowns. Results of the research will be published in the October issue of the Journal of Dental Research. _______________________________________________ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
