Japanese dentists are testing an exciting new drug that could help people grow new teeth, potentially offering an alternative to dentures and implants.
Katsu Takahashi, head of oral surgery at the Medical Research Institute Kitano Hospital in Osaka, shared that underneath our gums, there are hidden buds for a 3rd set of teeth, as reported by CNA.
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“Restoring natural teeth has its perks”
Takahashi’s team started clinical trials at Kyoto University Hospital in October, testing an experimental drug on adults that they believe could trigger the growth of these hidden teeth, which he described as “completely new” technology to the world.
He pointed out that prosthetic treatments for lost teeth can be costly and invasive, so being able to restore natural teeth would be a huge advantage.
Tests on mice and ferrets showed that blocking a protein called USAG-1 can spark the growth of this 3rd set.
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“This drug could change everything for individuals”
In a study published last year, the team said,
“Antibody treatment in mice works for tooth regeneration and could be a game-changer for treating tooth problems in humans.”
Right now, dentists are focusing on the urgent needs of patients born without 6 or more permanent teeth.
“This rare genetic condition affects about 0.1% of people, who have trouble chewing and, in Japan, often spend their teenage years wearing face masks to cover the big gaps in their mouths,” Takahashi said.
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“The idea is worth pursuing”
Angray Kang, a dentistry professor at the Queen Mary University of London, said there’s only one other team looking at using antibodies to regrow or repair teeth.
Kang, who’s not involved in the Japanese research, praised Takahashi’s work, calling it exciting and worth pursuing.
Chengfei Zhang, a clinical professor in endodontics at the University of Hong Kong, also called Takahashi’s method innovative and promising.
But he did caution that what works in animals doesn’t always translate to humans.
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The drug is mainly aimed at children, and the researchers hope to make it available by 2030.
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