Humans normally grow two sets of teeth during their lifetime—baby teeth followed by permanent teeth. Once a permanent tooth is lost, the body cannot naturally replace it with new ones. Unlike sharks and some reptiles that can continuously replace lost teeth, humans have long been believed to lack this ability. But recent research suggests that there may be more to the story.
Researchers now believe that humans may retain dormant tooth-forming tissues, the “tooth germs” which have the potential to develop into additional teeth under certain conditions.
How Are Scientists Trying to Regrow Teeth?
One of the most promising developments is an experimental tooth-regeneration drug called TRG035, developed by Japanese biotechnology company Toregem BioPharma.
The therapy is based on decades of research led by Dr. Katsu Takahashi at Kyoto University. To translate this research into a potential treatment, Dr. Takahashi co-founded Toregem BioPharma in 2020 with Dr. Honoka Kiso.
TRG035 is an antibody designed to block USAG-1, a protein that suppresses the development of dormant tooth germs. By blocking this protein, researchers hope to encourage these tissues to develop into new teeth.
How Far Has the Research Progressed?
The journey from the laboratory to clinical trials has shown encouraging progress.
Preclinical studies in mice and ferrets were successful without major safety concerns. This was followed by a Phase I clinical trial involving 30 healthy adult men aged 30–64 years who were missing at least one tooth. Participants received a single intravenous dose of the antibody at different dose levels, and according to the company, no serious drug-related adverse effects were reported.
The therapy is now expected to move into Phase II clinical trials, where researchers will evaluate both its safety and effectiveness in patients with congenital tooth agenesis—a condition in which people are born with missing permanent teeth.
Could Humans One Day Grow a Third Set of Teeth?
If future clinical trials continue to demonstrate safety and effectiveness and the therapy receives the necessary regulatory approvals, the company hopes to make it available for clinical use around 2030.
Although TRG035 is still an experimental drug and several stages of studies and trials are still ahead, this therapy could one day offer a new approach to treating missing teeth and serve as an alternative treatment alongside dental implants and dentures. It’s progress marks as a significant advancement in regenerative dentistry and could potentially reshape the future of dentistry.
For now, protecting your natural teeth through good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups remains the best approach. Still, advances in regenerative dentistry suggest that future generations may one day have treatment options that go beyond fillings, implants, and dentures—offering the possibility of growing a new tooth instead of replacing a lost one.
Do you think tooth regeneration could one day replace dental implants and dentures? Why or why not?
MBH/PS
