Role of Stem Cells in Dental Therapy: Recent Trends and an Overview

Stem cells are the master cells of the body. Stem cell biology is an emerging field of research, provides promising methods in vitro as well as in vivo in animal models which make speculation about a future application in human. The applications in dentistry are under trial and uses in medical field are restricted to certain diseases. The different types and source of stem cells are discussed. Adult dental ecto-mesenchymal stem cells seem promising for future therapy. Human stem cells have been isolated from the dental pulp, exfoliated deciduous teeth, the periodontal ligament, the dental follicle and the dental papilla. The retrieval of dental stem cells is easy and has less ethical issues than medical recovery. Stem cell markers such as STRO-1 were used for the characterization and isolation of stem cells. Adult dental stem cells can differentiate into many dental components, such as dentin, periodontal ligament, cement and dental pulp tissue, but not into enamel. Aim and Objectives: The objective of this article is to find the recent trends and an overview of the stem cell research concerning fields relevant for dentistry. Material and Methods: Most of the recent journal articles, lectures notes of renowned speaker and or/stem cell foundation key notes etc., were searched pertaining to know the role of dental stem cells in dental and medical therapy. Summary: The dental professional will play an important role in both the recovery and the use of these stem cells in both dental and medical regenerative therapies. The regeneration of enamel is still an enigma and poses real test to stem cells science. In future syringe loaded with tissues of stem cells will be available for, like regenerative calcium hydroxide paste and liquid used for regenerative therapy for lost tissues of dental apparatus for healing and repair