The Importance of Stem Cell in Dentistry
Each cell in our body is shaped and differentiated according to the tasks they will perform. The differences between blood cells, bone cells and skin cells are shaped by the work they do. Stem cells, unlike other cells, do not yet have a specific role and are the cells that will be shaped for the necessary tissue or organ. In other words, stem cells are undifferentiated cells and can be used in areas where the body needs them.
Scientists and doctors conduct research on how the functions in the body work or where they malfunction through stem cells. In particular, the effects of stem cell therapy on incurable diseases are being studied.
Two main sources can be cited as stem cell sources. One of them is embryo and the other is human body tissues. People carry stem cells in their bodies throughout their lives. When the body needs it, it uses them in the necessary areas. These cells are in a non-specific state and remain in this state until they differentiate. When it receives a specific task, it differentiates, for example, the skin becomes similar to a muscle cell.
In fact, the body is in a state of constant renewal and self-repair. In some parts of the body, for example, in the intestine and bone marrow, stem cells regularly differentiate into these cells. Stem cells can be easily detected in the brain, bone marrow, blood vessels, skeletal muscles, skin, and liver. However, they are very difficult to detect in some tissues. They wait silently without differentiation into any cells, until the body needs regeneration or new tissue growth occurs.
Stem cells are unique as they act as natural healers and repairers throughout life. They are healing and restorative in skin, bone, cartilage, muscle and nerve structure.
Since stem cells are either very deep, very few, or very similar to other cells in different tissues, their exact detection is difficult. Stem cells detected in teeth are easily accessible and very easily selectable. Dental stem cells are obtained from teeth and tooth support tissues. The most suitable time for the use of dental stem cells is the natural fall of milk teeth or the time of tooth extraction (wisdom teeth).
Dental stem cells are multipotent, meaning they can differentiate into a wide variety of cells for therapeutic purposes. Stem cells taken at younger ages are also younger. Thus, it can be used when a regenerative correction is required in the lifelong process.