Though Stanton has made progress in his recovery, his facial fractures, stitches, and dental injuries have not healed quickly enough for him to get back out on the field this year, per Marlins team doctors’ recommendations.

Before the startling end to his season, Stanton could have been expected to win a number of awards, including the RBI and home run titles, as well as the National League MVP award.

In addition to treatment for his fractures, Stanton might be expected to undergo a bit of cosmetic dentistry to repair any cracked, damaged, or missing teeth. The good news is he won’t be alone; about 15 million Americans have had missing teeth replaced with crown and bridge replacements.

The better news for people like Stanton who sustain facial and dental injuries is that new research might have discovered the key to understanding tooth regeneration. How? The answer might surprise you.

According to The Fish Site, researchers from the University of California, Berkeley have discovered that meddling with a single gene in the super adaptive stickleback fish can lead to doubling of teeth.

The gene in humans that corresponds to this gene is fish may be related to bone, tooth, and jaw formation. What are the implications of this?

According to lead researcher and UC Berkeley assistant professor of cell and molecular biology Craig Miller, the gene, which is called Bmp6, is significant for organ regeneration in vertebrates. This might pave the way for scientists to figure out how to replace human teeth — and help people like Stanton avoid undergoing complicated dental repairs.