Scientists Invent Bioengineered Teeth

Scientists have invented bioengineered teeth that grow in place and fuse with existing nerves. The 'smart' implant consists of a biodegradable outer layer, contains stem cells, and a special protein that triggers cell maturation into nerve tissue. The artificial tooth can function just like a real one: sensing the texture and temperature of food and playing a role in speech. The implant has already been successfully tested on rodents and was fully functional 6 weeks after implantation. Next, it will be tested on larger animals, and eventually on humans.