Success Rate of Identifying Dental Pulp Stem Cells in Intact Extracted Third Molars

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine the success rate of identifying Dental Pulp Stem Cells (DPSCs) from intact extracted human third molars. Materials and Methods: The dental pulp of six intact extracted third molars were harvested and frozen fresh. The tissues samples were then characterized for the presence of stem cells markers by direct immunofluorescence staining using CD29, CD73, CD90, and CD105. Results: Stems cells were identified in 5/6 (83.3%) of samples tested. Stem cell markers CD90 and CD105 displayed the highest positivity rate with 6/6 samples demonstrating positive immunofluorescence. Stem cell markers CD29 and CD73 displayed moderate positivity with 5/6 samples demonstrating positive immunofluorescence. Conclusion: This benchtop study suggests that dental pulp stem cells are expressed in third molars and can be identified in simple harvesting and fresh frozen techniques. Considering that third molar removal is a routine dental procedure, extracted third molars can be a suitable stem cell source for cell based regenerative procedures.