Japanese Scientists Trial Groundbreaking Drug to Regrow Human Teeth

Hidden Potential for a Third Set of Teeth

Tokyo – A team of Japanese scientists is pioneering a new frontier in dental medicine: the regeneration of human teeth. Led by Dr. Katsu Takahashi, head of oral surgery at the Medical Research Institute Kitano Hospital in Osaka, researchers have launched clinical trials to test a drug they believe can awaken dormant tooth buds hidden beneath the gums.

Unlike reptiles and fish, which regularly replace teeth, humans have long been considered limited to two sets—baby and permanent teeth. But Takahashi’s research suggests that a concealed “third generation” exists, waiting to be activated. “This is a completely new technology, unlike anything the world has seen before,” Takahashi explained.

Clinical Trials Begin in Japan

The trials, which began in October at Kyoto University Hospital, involve administering the experimental drug to adult volunteers. While the initial stage focuses primarily on safety rather than tooth growth, the researchers believe that regeneration could still occur in some participants—a breakthrough that would confirm the treatment’s potential for people with missing teeth.

The medicine works by blocking a protein called USAG-1, which suppresses tooth growth. In earlier experiments, mice and ferrets successfully grew new teeth when given the treatment. These results, published last year, sparked worldwide excitement about the possibility of developing a true alternative to dentures and implants.

Aiming to Help Children First

The researchers’ first priority is addressing the needs of patients with congenital tooth loss. Roughly 0.1 percent of people are born missing six or more permanent teeth, a condition that can cause serious difficulties in chewing and often leads to social embarrassment during adolescence.

“This drug could be life-changing for them,” said Takahashi. The treatment is primarily being designed for children, with the goal of making it widely available by 2030.

Global Experts Weigh In

The study has attracted international attention. Professor Angray Kang, a dentistry expert at Queen Mary University of London, praised the work, noting that only one other research team in the world is pursuing a similar approach using antibodies.

“I would say the Takahashi group is leading the way,” Kang remarked, while acknowledging that success will take years of rigorous trials. “The race to regenerate human teeth is not a sprint but a series of marathons. This is just the beginning.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Chengfei Zhang, an endodontics professor at the University of Hong Kong, called the research “innovative and promising” but cautioned that results from animal trials cannot always be directly applied to humans. “The idea that humans possess latent tooth buds capable of producing a third set is revolutionary—but also controversial,” Zhang noted.

Future Possibilities and Challenges

Takahashi remains confident that regenerated teeth can be controlled and guided. He believes that the site of tooth growth can be influenced by the injection point of the drug, and misplaced teeth could be corrected with orthodontics or transplantation.

For now, only adults who have lost at least one tooth are included in the clinical trial. If any participants unexpectedly grow a new tooth, it would mark a historic milestone in dentistry. “I would be over the moon if that happens,” Takahashi admitted.

Hope for an Aging Population

The implications of tooth regeneration extend far beyond cosmetic benefits. In Japan—home to the world’s second-oldest population—over 90 percent of people aged 75 or older are missing at least one tooth. The ability to naturally regrow teeth could dramatically improve quality of life and extend healthy longevity.

“Expectations are high that our technology can help people live healthier, longer lives,” Takahashi said.

With trials underway and global attention growing, the once science-fiction idea of regrowing teeth may soon become medical reality.