In these days when dental appointments are everyone's nightmare, there is a groundbreaking development from Japan that is shaking the scientific world. Researchers are working on a drug that will allow people to grow teeth for the third time, and it is aimed to make this miraculous treatment accessible to everyone by 2030.
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Source: Dentistry Today
In a study published in the Scientific Reports journal in 2021, it was shown that a drug targeting the protein produced by the USAG1 gene could affect new tooth formation in animals. This protein limits tooth growth; hence, blocking the protein allows new teeth to emerge.
In an interview with Japan's The Mainichi newspaper in 2023, Dr. Takahashi expressed his belief in his work, saying, 'The emergence of new teeth is every dentist's dream. I always knew this dream would become a reality.' Now, clinical trials have begun to see the same effect in humans.
It is also believed that the foundations of a third set of teeth already exist in people's mouth structure. This situation is also observed in cases of hyperdontia, where extra teeth grow. Scientists believe that these dormant tooth buds can be genetically reactivated.
Significant progress has also been made in the field of dental pulp and bone regeneration in recent years. In 2018, researchers identified certain stem cells (MDPSC) that play a role in the renewal of dental pulp. Another study conducted in 2020 showed that the placement of human stem cells into damaged teeth resulted in the reformation of blood vessels and nerves. In addition, the stem cell hydrogel technology developed during the same period promises hope for the repair of dental bone tissue.
The work of Dr. Takahashi and his team could make it possible for natural teeth to regrow in humans. In Dr. Takahashi's words: 'I envision a world where everyone who has lost a tooth can regrow their own.' It seems that this dream is much closer than we thought.
All these developments bring up one question: So what will dentists do from now on?