Fillings could be consigned to the dustbin of dental history after scientists identified the gene that produces tooth enamel.

Gene found that makes tooth enamel could revolutionise dental care
article in the Telegraph

Extracts:

"Researchers believe the discovery of the gene could lead to the repair of damaged enamel and the restoration or even the production of replacement teeth.

The gene, called Ctip2, is already known to have several functions in developing the immune and nervous systems and the growing of skin. Scientists can now add tooth development to that list."

""Enamel is one of the hardest coatings found in nature, it evolved to give carnivores the tough and long-lasting teeth they needed for survival," said Professor Chrissa Kioussi, author of the study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

"A lot of work would still be needed to bring this to human applications, but it should work. It could be a whole new approach to dental health.""

Sounds great! - Let's hope something comes of it!