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References

Paul K, Islam A, Volponi AA. Future horizons: embedding the evolving science of regenerative dentistry in a modern, sustainable dental curriculum. Br Dent J. 2022; 232:207-210
Li Y, Duan X, Chen Y Dental stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles as promising therapeutic agents in the treatment of diseases. Int J Oral Sci. 2022; 14 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41368-021-00152-2
Srijaya T C, Sriram S, Sugii S, Kasim N H A. Stem cells in dentistry: potential applications and perspectives in clinical research. In: Pham P (ed.). Cham, Switzerland: Springer; 2016
Soudi A, Yazdanian M, Ranjbar R Role and application of stem cells in dental regeneration: a comprehensive overview. EXCLI J. 2021; 20:454-489
Zeitlin BD. Banking on teeth – stem cells and the dental office. Biomed J. 2020; 43:124-133 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bj.2020.02.003

Stem cell therapy in dentistry: the future for oral tissue regeneration

From Volume 51, Issue 1, January 2024 | Page 67

Authors

Enis Veseli

Department of Prosthodontics, Dental School, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pristina, Pristina, Kosovo

Articles by Enis Veseli

Article

In the last period in medicine, including the field of dentistry, extensive research has been conducted on the regenerative ability of stem cells. Currently, therapies for oral health diseases can permit certain clinical parameters during the diagnosis and development of diseases, but cannot regenerate lost tissue. In light of this, researchers are increasingly interested in achieving proper regeneration of lost dental tissues as technology develops.1

Dental-related stem cells are attractive sources of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs), which can be isolated from the dental pulp, primary teeth, dental follicles, and periodontal ligaments.2 Dental pulp should be only from healthy teeth, and ideally from donors younger than 30 years old because the cells lose their ability to regenerate. There are many potential applications for stem cell therapy in dentistry, and it holds promise for a wide range of clinical outcomes, although everything is still in at an in vitro experimental stage. The following are some noteworthy areas where stem cell therapy has shown potential in dentistry.3,4

  • Treatment of periodontal disease: Stem cell therapy has the potential to cure periodontal diseases including periodontitis. MSCs can be used to repair periodontal tissues, stimulate tissue healing, and modify immune responses, thus providing a unique therapeutic method for the treatment of periodontal disease.
  • Reconstruction of maxillofacial defects: Dental stem cells, particularly those generated from the dental pulp and periodontal ligament, have shown promise in stimulating bone regeneration and correcting maxillofacial bone defects. These stem cells may develop into osteoblasts and induce bone tissue growth, providing a restorative therapy for individuals with bone deficiencies.
  • Regeneration of dental tissue: Stem cell-based treatments may help to regenerate damaged dental tissues like dentin, pulp, and periodontal tissues. MSCs produced from the dental pulp and periodontal ligament have been demonstrated to have the ability to differentiate into various dental cell types and contribute to tissue regeneration.
  • Implantation of tooth: Stem cell-based techniques have the potential to significantly improve the success rate of tooth implantation procedures. Regenerating supporting tissues around dental implants, such as the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone, can be achieved using stem cells, leading to enhanced implant stability and longevity.

    • In addition, with the application of tissue engineering, it may be possible to completely regenerate teeth in the near future, replacing the placement of traditional dental implants. Moreover, dental stem cell storage services in various developing countries, which can serve patients for medical treatment in later years, are increasing.5

    Although the potential applications of stem cell therapy in dentistry are promising, further research and clinical studies are needed to fully understand the safety, efficacy, and long-term outcomes of these treatments. However, available research suggests that dental stem cells, including MSCs, have the potential to revolutionize dental treatments and contribute to regenerative dentistry.