Cosmetic Dentistry & Orofacial Myology

Dental Stem Cell

Association, Dental Council of India, Indian Society for Dental Research.

13. Dental Stem Cell

Dental pulp is the soft live tissue inside a tooth. Dental pulp contains stem cells, known as Dental Pulp Stem Cells. The finest Dental Pulp Stem Cells are found in a baby teeth or milk teeth. The stem cells from the milk teeth are 'mesenchymal' type of cells i.e. cells that have the ability to generate a wide variety of cell types like chondrocytes, osteoblasts and adipocytes. Chondrocytes are cells that have the ability to generate cartilage, which can play an important role in the treatment of arthritis and joint injuries. Osteoblasts are cells that have the ability to generate bones. Adipocytes are cells that have the ability to compose adipose tissue, specialized in storing energy as fat. In essence, dental stem cells can generate solid structures of the body such as bone, new dental tissue, cartilage and muscle. New research suggests the potential (currently under experimental research) to regenerate nerves. This is being studied further for use in dentistry and medicine.