A team of dentists from Japan are testing a potentially ground-breaking drug that could enable people with missing teeth to grow new ones. This is something that researchers have been looking to achieve for decades. But now, with ongoing scientific advancements, this milestone appears to be getting closer.
One of the ultimate objectives for scientists is to one day enable people with missing teeth to grow new ones. This goal has been the subject of research for several decades.
However, owing to its complexity, a solution has not yet been found. But now, a team of Japanese dentists are testing a potentially ground-breaking drug that could hold the key to solving this ongoing problem [1].
If scientists were able to come up with a way of regrowing teeth, then this would reduce the demand for dentures and implants. Moreover, it would also represent a significant milestone in dentistry.
Missing teeth
Tooth loss is a common issue in humans. For example, research shows that approximately 180 million Americans are missing at least one tooth [2].
There are a range of potential causes of missing teeth, including extensive tooth decay, advanced gum disease, and dental trauma.
The most common treatments for a missing tooth is either dentures or implants. However, while effective, both can be costly, and have some limitations.
In an ideal world, teeth would automatically regrow when lost. But finding a way of stimulating this process has been challenging for researchers.
Third set of teeth?
Humans grow teeth in their childhood. These gradually fall out, and are eventually replaced by adult teeth, which hopefully remain in place for life.
But is it possible that a third set of teeth exist? The answer is yes, according to Katsu Takahashi, who is the Head of Oral Surgery at the Medical Research Institute at Kitano Hospital in Osaka, Japan.
Takahashi has explained that a third set of teeth exist beneath human gums [1]. He says that these are dormant buds, and remain this way for life.
The experimental drug
The experimental drug was first tested on mice and ferrets in 2023 [1]. Utilizing animal models is an important phase of drug experimentation.
The findings were promising, with the researchers publishing lab photographs of regrown animal teeth – underlining the potential of the drug [1].
The researchers said that blocking a protein called USAG-1 can trigger the development of the third set of teeth [1]. Therefore, the experimental drug works by blocking this protein.
Following animal trials, the next step involves human trials. While animals offer a good indication of how a human may react, this is not wholly reliable.
In October, Takahashi’s team began clinical trials at Kyoto University Hospital. The experimental drug was administered to participants [1].
The participants are there to test for safety at this stage, rather than effectiveness. They are adults who are missing at least one tooth [1].
When speaking about those that would be positively impacted by the drug, Takahashi mentioned those that are missing six or more permanent teeth from birth. This is a hereditary condition that affects around 0.1% of people [1].
Those with this condition face several challenges in eating, drinking, and with their oral health. Takahashi says that “this drug could be a game-changer for them” [1].
Takahashi has said that the drug is administered via injection at the desired location of the new tooth [1]. If it grows in the wrong place, he suggests it can be moved through orthodontics.
Next, the researchers will wait to see how humans react to the experimental drug, which takes the form of an antibody medicine, before deciding on further action [1].
Concerns expressed
While these updates are very exciting, some concerns have been expressed by other researchers. Chengfei Zhang, a Clinical Professor in Endodontics at the University of Hong Kong, has raised some concerns.
Zhang has acknowledged that the drug is “innovative and holds potential” [1]. However, Zhang says that the idea is “controversial” [1].
Moreover, Zhang says that the results of the animal trials raise questions “about whether regenerated teeth could functionally and aesthetically replace missing teeth” [1].
Moreover, there are concerns that the long-term impact of the development of the teeth is uncertain, and it isn’t known if the teeth would act the same way as adult teeth.
What will happen next?
The hope is that this medicine could stimulate the growth of the concealed teeth. It has positive results on animals, and it will be very interesting to see how humans react.
Takahashi has said that this is “a completely new technology” [1]. Moreover, he says that the team are hoping to make the drug available as soon as 2030.
However, significant work needs to take place before this is possible. Yet Takahashi remains confident, saying that “expectations are high”, and that the technology “can directly extend healthy life expectancy” [1].
These updates are very exciting. We will now wait to see how the trials go. Hopefully the trials will produce positive results, which could pave the way for the eventual distribution of the experimental drug.
Thinking points…
1) This update is definitely exciting, and suggests that we are edging closer to a time when teeth could actually regrow! But for now, we need to focus on the modern day, and look after our oral health. One way of doing this is to attend regular dental appointments. These appointments are helpful in ensuring that any problems are recognized and subsequently treated. We recommend booking an appointment now!
2) As discussed earlier, having a missing tooth is common. If you have a missing tooth, have you considered dental implants? Dental implants look natural, provide long term results and can improve your smile. At our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental, we offer free implant consultations! These consultations allow you to review your options – read more about this at our website – https://savannadentalclinic.ca/!
What we offer at Savanna Dental
Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We provide our patients with a range of treatment options and advice, with the aim of improving oral health and boosting overall wellbeing!
We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a dental check-up. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To try and prevent problems, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly.
Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, tooth whitening and Invisalign™! Our patients find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.
In addition, the fees of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.
We would love you to visit our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca/!
References
[1] AFP. (2024). Japanese researchers test pioneering drug to regrow teeth. Available: https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/japanese-researchers-test-pioneering-drug-to-regrow-teeth/. Last accessed 19th December 2024.
[2] American College of Prosthodontists. (2015). Missing Teeth. Available: https://www.prosthodontics.org/assets/1/7/ACP_Talking_points_for_Missing_Teeth_1-12-15.pdf. Last accessed: 19th December 2024.
