Scientists have discovered an antibody for a gene that can stimulate tooth regrowth in mice.

Losing a tooth as an adult is a serious problem. One has to deal with replacing it, extra dental care, and even the possibility of removing other teeth for a bridge or implant. Losing a tooth may no longer be the permanent problem it has been throughout history. A new genetic treatment has been discovered that can regrow teeth.

How it works

An antibody for one gene is the trick. The gene, the uterine sensitization associated gene-1 (USAG-1) is suppressed by the antibody. When this happens, it stimulates tooth regrowth. In mouse and ferret studies, missing teeth were observed to fully regrow.

How it was discovered

Researchers at the universities of Kyoto and Fukui in Japan discovered this antibody suppression for tooth regrowth. They were studying molecules known to be involved in dental growth. Unfortunately, some of those molecules are also involved in the growth and function of other organs. The trick became isolating a dental growth molecule. USAG-1 might be exactly what they need. USAG-1 is a bone morphogenetic protein (BMP). Other BMPs and Wnt (a signaling pathway for cells) also are involved with tooth growth. However, when scientists tested out molecules that interfered with BMP and Wnt, there were adverse effects on the animals tested on. The animals had much lower survival rates and birth rates when BMP and Wnt were altered. Fortunately, the monoclonal antibody discovered only disrupts the USAG-1 interaction with BMP. This resulted in tooth regrowth without negative effects on the rest of the body. After trials with mice, scientists tested on ferrets. Ferrets are more biologically complex and have similar dental patterns to humans. The next step will be testing bone regrowth on pigs and dogs.

Why does a protein that stops bone growth exist in our genetics anyway? Stronger bones and teeth are a good thing, right? The reason this protein exists is to prevent the development of supernumerary teeth, AKA extra teeth. It inhibits us from growing too many teeth and developing severe oral problems.

Animals given the antibody for USAG-1 only needed a single dose to regenerate an entire tooth. Humans share this same gene.

Why it’s groundbreaking

When a person is missing teeth, the condition is known as tooth agenesis. Presently, treatments for tooth agenesis include dental implants, dentures, and dental bridges. These procedures are often time-consuming and expensive. After the procedure, these replacements can be impermanent and require upkeep. The last option is not being treated at all for missing teeth. This can be even more dangerous because it can change the shape of the jaw, and open a person up to new infections and diseases. It can also cause the remaining teeth to shift, as compensation is needed when chewing.

If humans could have the ability to regrow teeth in the next few decades it would make a giant difference in world health. Many in developing countries and even developed countries with expensive healthcare can’t afford dental coverage. A treatment with one drug to completely regrow a tooth would be revolutionary. A cheap, easy treatment for a problem that has been plaguing humanity forever: regrowth of lost teeth.

Get the best treatment for your oral health issues

Although we can’t do molecular therapy yet to regrow teeth, we can help with a wide array of oral health issues. At Josey Lane Dentistry we perform numerous surgical and dental procedures to help with tooth agenesis and to maintain your dental health.

Our preventative dentistry includes:

• Comprehensive oral exams
• X-rays
• Cancer screenings
• Oral hygiene instruction and review
• Much more

Our restorative dentistry includes:

• Fillings
• Bridges
• Crowns
• Dentures
• Dental implants
• Root canals
• Tooth Extractions
• Mouth guards for pain relief and sports guards

Get in touch with us today to see what we can do for your dental health. Or, if you are in the Carrollton Texas area, call us and stop by.