A Peer-Reviewed Publication: Written by Jeremy J. Mao, DDS, PhD and Fiona M. Collins, BDS, MBA, MA
Educational Objectives
Upon completion of this course, the clinician will be able to do the following:
- Understand the range of diseases for which stem cell therapies are being investigated
- Be knowledgeable about the various sources of stem cells and the advantages and disadvantages of each source
- Understand the fundamental reasons for the effectiveness of stem cells and the meaning of tissue differentiation
- Understand the basics of cryopreservation and the banking of stem cells
Abstract
Recent exciting discoveries place dentists at the forefront of engaging their patients in potentially life-saving therapies derived from a patient’s own stem cells located in deciduous and permanent teeth. Adult stem cells, including dental stem cells, have the potential, like bone marrow-derived stem cells and adipose-derived stem cells, to cure a number of diseases.
In medicine, stem cell-based treatments are being used and investigated for conditions as diverse as Parkinson’s disease, neural degeneration following brain injury, cardiovascular disease and autoimmune diseases. Stem cells will be used in dentistry for the regeneration of dentin and/or dental pulp, biologically viable scaffolds will be used for the replacement of orofacial bone and cartilage, and defective salivary glands will be partially or completely regenerated.
Dental stem cells can be obtained from the pulp of the primary and permanent teeth, from the periodontal ligament, and from associated healthy tissues. Exfoliating/extracted deciduous teeth and permanent teeth extracted for orthodontic treatment, trauma or dental implant indications are all readily available sources of dental stem cells. The harvest of these dental stem cells results in minimal trauma. Dental professionals have the opportunity to make their patients aware of these new sources of stem cells that can be stored for future use as new therapies are developed for a range of diseases and injuries.
