Gimme Some Tooth

Sometimes at Hamlin Dental Group, we think we've heard everything. Then we hear something else.

A story that's circulating in the press today tells us that it was more than a musical fanboy/collector impulse that led Canadian dentist Michael Zuk to purchase a "discolored molar" that the late John Lennon -- perhaps sensing it might be valuable some day -- gave to his houskeeper during the mid-1960s. Now Zuk is telling the press that he intends to use the genetic material in the tooth to clone the enormously revered and influential Beatle and solo singer-songwriter.

Of course, as the place to find an outstanding dentist in Van Nuys, Northridge, or North Hollywood, we can't resist at least taking the opportunity to remind readers that the story, however unlikely, is a good reminder that our teeth are very much a part of our bodies, and in no way separate from our overall health. Otherwise, you wouldn't be able to even discuss constructing a genetic copy of the man who brought us "Strawberry Fields Forever," "In My Life," "Imagine," and all the rest.

On the other hand, we really wonder whether this is a good idea. Genetically reconstructing a wooly mammoth is one thing because, for one thing, any wooly mammoth would be beloved and popular, just for being a wooly mammoth. A clone is, however, only a genetic copy and one of John Lennon be no different than if the late musician had had an identical twin. Since we can't recreate the exact circumstances that led the original John Lennon to be the giant figure he was, there's no telling how an actual Lennon clone would turn out. One thing is for sure: there's no guarantee he'll be a great singer-songwriter wowing the world from Liverpool and London to Hollywood and Paris. Imagine knowing you were an exact genetic duplicate of John Lennon and discovering you had no particular gift for music!

We do, however, like to think Clone Lennon would turn out to a really outstanding member of whatever profession the young man chose. Considering his origins, in fact, we'd like to suggest he consider leaving New York or London and becoming a dentist in Northridge. We certainly ready and willing to accept his CV.

Meanwhile, we can't guarantee you a visit with a clone of Lennon, or any other British Invasion legend, but we can promise the best dental care in the San Fernando Valley. If your teeth are saying "please, please me" call 888-400-8011 today.