A team of doctors in Japan has developed a groundbreaking drug that could allow people to naturally grow a brand-new tooth.

Instead of relying on dentures or implants, this treatment activates the body’s own ability to produce another set of teeth. The research is led by Dr. Katsu Takahashi at Kitano Hospital’s Medical Research Institute. His team discovered that by blocking a protein called USAG-1—which normally prevents extra teeth from forming—they could trigger tooth growth. In experiments with mice, the treatment worked successfully. Now, human clinical trials are being prepared, with hopes of making the therapy available by 2030.

Scientists believe humans may still have hidden “third set” tooth buds, just waiting to be switched on. This idea is inspired by animals like sharks and elephants, which naturally replace their teeth throughout life. Combined with advances in dental tissue and bone regeneration, researchers are confident that reversing tooth loss biologically is within reach.

If all goes well, the next decade could make tooth regrowth a real option for millions of people who lose teeth due to age, injury, or disease.

Source: Ravi, V., Murashima-Suginami, A., Kiso, H., Tokita, Y., Huang, C.L., Bessho, K., Takagi, J., Sugai, M., Tabata, Y., Takahashi, K. Advances in tooth agenesis and tooth regeneration. Regenerative Therapy, Vol 22, March 2023, Pages 160–168.