Banking on teeth - Stem cells and the dental office

Area of Science:

• Regenerative Medicine
• Biotechnology
• Dental Stem Cell Research

Background:

• The discovery of multipotent stem cells in dental pulp, dating back nearly twenty years, has spurred significant commercial interest.
• Dental stem cells hold promise for treating a wide range of conditions, including cancer, autism, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the procedures involved in dental stem cell storage services, commonly known as 'tooth banking'.
• To serve as an introductory guide to the practice of tooth banking for a broader audience.

Main Methods:

• Focus on the collection of baby teeth as they are naturally shed.
• Describes the process of isolating and storing stem cells from dental pulp.
• Highlights the therapeutic applications and future use of stored dental stem cells.

Main Results:

• Dental stem cell preservation represents a significant and expanding market.
• The availability of viable stem cells from both deciduous and permanent teeth underpins this market.

Conclusions:

• Dental stem cell banking offers a promising avenue for future regenerative therapies.
• Understanding the procedures of tooth banking is crucial for maximizing the potential of this biotechnology.