WILL WE EVER BE ABLE TO REGROW TEETH? #139
THE PALEO DENTIST BLOG
Will we ever be able to regrow teeth?
Dr. Spiker Davis D.D.S. 713-781-2800 Dr. Matt Guerre D.D.S.
In collaboration with Dr. John Seger M.D. Cardiologist 713-791-9444 and Jenna Nixon Holistic Nutritionist 281-433-9996
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For more than 50 years, patients have asked me the same question: “Why can a broken bone heal, but a lost tooth can’t grow back?”
Until recently, the answer was simple. Humans get two sets of teeth—baby teeth and permanent teeth. Once a permanent tooth is lost, nature doesn’t provide a replacement. Why is that?—–Sharks can regrow teeth, why can’t we??
Today, researchers around the world are exploring ways to regenerate teeth using stem cells, bioengineering, growth factors, and other cutting-edge technologies. While we’re not there yet, the future of dentistry may be closer than many people realize.
Today, when a tooth is lost, dentists typically replace it with:
- Dental implants
- Porcelain Bridges
- Dentures and partial dentures
These treatments can be highly successful and have improved millions of lives. However, they are still artificial replacements and can be very expensive.
The ultimate goal of regenerative dentistry is something very different:
Helping the body grow a natural replacement tooth.
Anti-USAG-1 Therapy
One of the most exciting areas of research involves a protein called USAG-1. Scientists have discovered that blocking this protein may stimulate dormant tooth-forming cells that exist in some individuals. In animal studies, researchers have successfully triggered the development of additional teeth. Human studies are still in their early stages, but many researchers believe this may represent one of the most promising paths toward future tooth regeneration.
Stem Cell Dentistry
Stem cells have the remarkable ability to develop into many different types of tissues.
Researchers are investigating whether stem cells can be used to regenerate:
- Dental pulp
- Dentin
- Supporting tissues
- Entire teeth
While challenges remain, stem-cell research continues to advance rapidly.
Bioengineered Teeth
Imagine a future where a dentist could place a bioengineered tooth bud into the jaw, allowing it to develop naturally.
This approach would create a living tooth complete with:
- Blood supply
- Nerve tissue
- Natural attachment structures
The concept sounds like science fiction, but active research is underway.
What About Enamel Repair?
The most immediate breakthroughs may actually involve repairing damaged enamel.
Scientists are developing biomimetic materials that mimic natural enamel formation and may someday help reverse very early stages of tooth damage. If successful, this could dramatically reduce the need for fillings and other restorative procedures.
When Will Tooth Regrowth Become Reality? I have several patients that are holding their breath and hoping to regrow some bone and or teeth but no one knows for certain when this will happen.
My best estimate would be that we see significant advances in the
Next 5-10 years
- Better enamel repair
- Improved pulp regeneration
- More biologically driven treatments
10-20 years
- Limited tooth regeneration in select situations
20+ years
- Potential development of fully bioengineered replacement teeth
The Takeaway
While tooth regeneration remains experimental, one thing has not changed:
The healthiest tooth is still the one you never lose. So for now, let’s focus on:
- Good nutrition-avoid sugar and starchy carbs
- Daily oral hygiene including brushing, flossing and tongue scraping
- Regular dental care
- Controlling inflammation-consider the Oralucent sonic tooth brush-it’s a game changer.
The future of dentistry may involve growing new teeth, but prevention will always be the best treatment.
The Paleo Dentist™
Helping patients connect oral health, total health, and healthy longevity.
SUMMARY-It is obvious to ME that your mouth is the window to your health. In my opinion, we MUST all focus on our health every day and that includes brushing, flossing, dental cleanings and while we are at it, let’s visit our physician for that annual checkup. Also, in my opinion almost all sugar and FAKE sugar is not healthy, and YOU SHOULD try hard to avoid it. If you are eating the Standard American Diet, then you asking to get sick and as shown by MANY STUDIES you will double your risk of stroke if you have gum disease and decay. NOW IS THE TIME TO PLAN AND FOCUS ON ORAL HEALTH. WE HOPE THAT IMPROVING DENTAL HEALTH IS AT THE TOP OF YOUR LIST.
The doctors and staff are behind you and please call us if we can help. 713-781-2800. Also, please call or email JENNA NIXON if you need some detailed NUTRITIONAL counseling from a true WELL-TRAINED professional and call Dr. John Seger if you have any heart issues.
REMEMBER, “YOU DON’T HAVE TO FLOSS ALL OF YOUR TEETH, JUST THE ONES YOU WANT TO KEEP”!
LET’S MAKE 2026 OUR HEALTHIEST YEAR EVER!
SpikeR
“THE MOUTH IS THE WINDOW TO YOUR HEALTH”. BRUSH AND FLOSS TWICE DAILY, AVOID SUGAR AND PROCESSED FOOD FOR 2026 AND SEE YOUR DENTIST AND PHYSICIAN ON A REGULAR BASIS.
Spiker Davis D.D.S. spiker@thepaleodentist.com John Seger M.D. Matt Guerre D.D.S. Jenna Nixon Nutritioist
Jenna@goodthingsnaturalhealth.com 281-433-9996
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