Tooth tissues include the pulp mesenchyme that forms the dentin and an epithelium
that is responsible for enamel formation. Cells from these tissues were obtained
from porcine third molars and were seeded onto a biodegradable scaffold composed
of a polyglycolic acidpolylactic acid copolymer. Cell polymer constructs
were then surgically implanted into the omentum of athymic nude rats so that the
constructs would have a blood supply and these tissues were allowed to develop
inside the rats. Infrequently, columnar epithelial cells were observed as a single
layer on the outside of the dentin-like matrix similar to the actual arrangement
of ameloblasts over dentin during early tooth development. Developing tooth tissues
derived from such cell polymer constructs could eventually be surgically implanted
into the gum of an edentulous recipient where the construct would receive a blood
supply and develop to maturity, providing the recipient with a biological tooth replacement.
