Tooth bioengineering leads the next generation of dentistry

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2012; 22: 406–418Background.  As a result of numerous rapid and exciting developments in tissue engineering technology, scientists are able to regenerate a fully functional tooth in animal models, from a bioengineered tooth germ. Advances in technology, together with our understanding of the mechanisms of tooth development and studies dealing with dentally derived stem cells, have led to significant progress in the field of tooth regeneration.Aim and design.  This review focuses on some of the recent advances in tooth bioengineering technology, the signalling pathways in tooth development, and in dental stem cell biology. These factors are highlighted in respect of our current knowledge of tooth regeneration.Results and conclusion.  An understanding of these new approaches in tooth regeneration should help to prepare clinicians to use this new and somewhat revolutionary therapy while also enabling them to partake in future clinical trials. Tooth bioengineering promises to be at the forefront of the next generation of dental treatments.