Growing New Teeth? Science Says Yes!

1. Discovery of dormant "third‑set" tooth buds

Researchers led by Dr. Katsu Takahashi at Kyoto University and Kitano Hospital have identified that humans may still retain dormant tooth buds—a “third set” beyond baby and permanent teeth. These buds typically remain inactive after childhood The Wall Street Journal+15kyoto-u.ac.jp+15Reddit+15.

2. The role of the USAG‑1 protein

They discovered a protein called USAG‑1 (Uterine Sensitization Associated Gene‑1) acts as a biological inhibitor, suppressing these dormant tooth buds from developing. By developing an antibody that blocks USAG‑1, they enabled regrowth in animal models such as mice, ferrets, and even dogs, with fully formed, functional teeth generated in those experiments Reddit+14kyoto-u.ac.jp+14Japan Daily+14.

3. Animal trial success

In mice and ferrets—species chosen because of their similarity to human dental structure—the treatment triggered new tooth formation. The regenerated teeth had proper enamel, dentin, pulp, roots, and periodontal attachment, and no major adverse effects were observed in these animal studies Japan Daily.

🧪 Human clinical trials — what’s happening now

Phase I (Safety trial in adults)

·         Timeline: Began in September 2024, running through August 2025.

·         Location: Kyoto University Hospital.

·         Participants: Around 30 healthy men, aged 30–64, each missing one or more molars. The trial focuses on safety and potential biomarkers, not yet efficacy for tooth regrowth Reddit+15Mainichi+15Reddit+15.

Phase II (Efficacy trial in children with anodontia)

·         Set to begin in 2025.

·         Focuses on children aged 2–7 with congenital tooth agenesis (missing four or more permanent teeth due to genetic factors). Early regrowth in this group is expected to be more viable, as dormant tooth buds are presumed to be present DentalReach+7Reddit+7The Wall Street Journal+7.

Public availability forecast

If trials proceed successfully, the research team hopes to make the treatment available to the public by around 2030, starting with cases of congenital deficiency and later expanding to those with adult tooth loss due to injury or decay Reddit+5Mainichi+5DentalReach+5.

✅ What’s established findings

·         Active clinical trials are underway in adults (Phase I) and preparing for pediatric efficacy trials (Phase II) starting 2025.

·         The drug targets a specific protein (USAG‑1) to unlock latent tooth regeneration potential.

·         Animal model results (mice, ferrets) have shown successful, functional tooth regrowth.

·         The study is centered on stimulating natural biological pathways, not implanting engineered teeth.