University of Washington research could lead to ‘living’ dental fillings made from real enamel

Tooth enamel is the strongest substance produced by the human body, protecting the sensitive lower layers of the teeth. But once it wears away, we can’t regrow it. The cells that create enamel, called ameloblasts, die shortly after the teeth are formed. New research from the University of Washington could eventually change that, however. Researchers have succeeded in transforming stem cells into ameloblasts, which can produce a rudimentary enamel under the right conditions.

Hannele Ruohola-Baker is a professor of biochemistry and associate director of the Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine at the University of Washington. She joins us with more details on what the ability to regrow enamel could mean for dental patients.

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