Review Article

Applications of stem cells in dentistry: A review

10.26657/gulhane.00012

  • Ananya Madiyal
  • Subhas Babu
  • Supriya Bhat
  • Padmaraj Hegde
  • Akshatha Shetty

Received Date: 29.01.2018 Accepted Date: 06.02.2018 Gulhane Med J 2018;60(1):26-29

Stem cells have the capacity to replicate and produce cell lines that differentiate into multiple cell lineages. Stem cells may be harvested from various sites and are named adult stem cells or embryonic stem cells based on their origin. Owing to their self renewing capabilities, they are used to correct large defects caused by diseases, trauma or surgery. However, they are limited by ethical and moral considerations as well as difficulty in isolation, culturing and implantation. Dental stem cells retain the property of differentiation into neurogenic, adipogenic and odontogenic components and are used in the reconstruction of orofacial structures. Scaffolding impregnated with bone morphogenic proteins and growth factors is essential prior to stem cell implantation. This 3D scaffolding with biomatrix is then introduced into the clinical site to facilitate regeneration of tissues. In the maxillofacial region, stem cells may be derived from the pulp, apical papilla, dental follicle, periodontal ligament, deciduous teeth and mucosa. They can be used for bioengineering of pulp and periapical tissues, soft tissues, bone, temporomandibular joint and periodontium. A multi-speciality approach involving cell biologists, pharmacologists and bioengineers is required to harness the vast potential of stem cell therapy and to obtain reliable treatment outcomes in the future.

Keywords: Stem cell, tissue engineering, dental, bioengineering