Latest news with #KatsuTakahashi
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Missing A Tooth? Scientists Develop New Drug that Regrows Teeth
If you're one of the millions of people who have a gaping space in your gums where a tooth used to be, there's reason to hope you might not have to spend the rest of your days with an uneven smile or fake teeth. Scientists in Japan have announced that they are moving forward with a drug that is capable of regrowing human teeth, Popular Mechanics reports. The drug works by suppressing an antibody called uterine sensitization–associated gene-1 (USAG-1). In ferrets and mice, this protein is shown to inhibit the growth of teeth, according to Dentistry Today. In a press release, Dr. Katsu Takahashi, a lead author of a study from Kyoto University and the University of Fukui, said, "We knew that suppressing USAG-1 benefits tooth growth. What we did not know was whether it would be enough.' He adds, "Ferrets are diphyodont animals with similar dental patterns to humans.' An article from Dentistry Today reports that researchers found that the 'USAG-1 protein could limit the growth of teeth in mice.' And that suppressing the protein would 'potentially invite their teeth to grow.' Trials conducted on mice were successful. Even more exciting, Dentistry Today reports, is that Takahashi's previous research shows that humans have a third row of teeth in their mouths. Those teeth are available as buds, and Takahashi believes they can be activated. The human trial for regrowing teeth is expected to last about 11 months, according to Popular Mechanics. Originally, it will consist of 30 men between the ages of 30 and 64. A qualification is that they each must be missing a tooth, an article in New Atlas reports. The article also states that if the trial is proven safe and effective, plans are to open the trial to patients between the ages of 2 to 7, who are missing at least four teeth. Researchers hope to have the drug available by the year 2030, Popular Mechanics A Tooth? Scientists Develop New Drug that Regrows Teeth first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 20, 2025 Solve the daily Crossword
Scotsman
26-05-2025
- Health
- Scotsman
New teeth, new you? Double Take Dental looks ahead to the future of dentistry
Innovative treatment on the horizon could reshape dentistry – and one Utah-based clinic is already preparing for the future. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A pioneering medical breakthrough that could enable natural human tooth regrowth is making headlines globally – and Utah's Double Take Dental is paying close attention. Scientists in Japan have developed a novel drug that targets the USAG-1 protein, known to inhibit tooth development. By suppressing this protein, researchers have successfully stimulated the growth of new teeth in animal models. Human clinical trials are now underway, with the first patient trials scheduled to begin this year. Experts suggest that if the trials succeed, the first commercially available treatments could be available as early as 2030. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad While that future unfolds, progressive dental clinics like Double Take Dental are already educating their patients on the potential of regenerative care, underlining their commitment to innovation in oral health. A clean and modern dental clinic equipped for comprehensive patient care. A Regenerative Revolution in Dentistry Unlike traditional dental implants, which involve surgically inserting artificial structures, this new approach taps into the body's own stem cells to regenerate actual teeth. Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), combined with regenerative compounds, could soon enable the human body to 'reboot' tooth development — an ability previously believed lost after childhood. Dr. Katsu Takahashi, the lead researcher behind the Japanese trials, described the upcoming treatment as a 'game changer,' capable of supporting people with congenital tooth loss, traumatic dental injuries, and potentially those who have lost teeth due to age or decay. 'This isn't science fiction anymore,' said Takahashi in an interview. 'We're finally entering a period where the natural regrowth of teeth is a real and viable therapeutic option.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A patient undergoes a routine dental check-up with braces as part of orthodontic treatment. What It Means for Practices Like Double Take Dental The impact of tooth regeneration on the dental industry could be substantial. Preventative measures will still play a central role in dental care, but regenerative solutions could reduce the need for invasive treatments such as root canals, crowns, and prosthetics. Double Take Dental, located in Orem, Utah, has already integrated advanced diagnostics and minimally invasive techniques into its services. The clinic sees this new frontier as an opportunity to combine traditional values in patient care with the possibilities that medical science is unlocking. 'Our patients expect world-class care, and that includes staying informed and ahead of the curve,' said a spokesperson for the clinic. 'Tooth regeneration isn't something we offer today — but it's something we're preparing to embrace when the time comes.' Societal and Ethical Considerations As with any medical breakthrough, experts have raised concerns about equitable access. Will treatments be affordable, or will they initially cater to wealthier patients? Insurance providers may be slow to adapt, while regulators weigh how to classify regenerated teeth: are they medical treatment or enhancement? Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad There are also broader cultural implications. Could regrown teeth — because they're natural — become status symbols, replacing today's cosmetic veneers? Will patients opt for 'upgrades' even if their existing teeth are healthy? The ethical debate is still evolving. However, many in the field agree that transparent regulation and public education will be critical to ensure this innovation benefits all. A Glimpse at the Future of Regenerative Medicine Beyond dentistry, regenerative techniques are advancing rapidly across healthcare. From liver and skin tissue regrowth to early studies on neural repair, the principle of using a patient's own biology to heal and rebuild is no longer theoretical. At the intersection of this future sits artificial intelligence and bioprinting. AI can help model a patient's ideal tooth shape or bite alignment, while 3D bioprinters could produce scaffold structures that encourage natural growth. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad For dental professionals like those at Double Take Dental, staying abreast of these changes is essential. While current services still include preventative care, fillings, and restorations, patients are increasingly asking about what's coming next. For Now, It's Still About Prevention Until tooth regeneration becomes commercially available — possibly by the end of the decade — the best approach remains regular dental hygiene, professional cleanings, and early intervention. 'We encourage everyone to keep brushing, flossing, and visiting their dentist,' the team at Double Take Dental added. 'The future may hold incredible solutions, but the fundamentals of good oral care are just as important today.' For more information about Double Take Dental's services or to schedule a consultation, visit Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
