In restorative dentistry, especially in older patients, there is frequently a need to rebuild bone before other procedures can be performed. Scientists in Italy have demonstrated that stem cells from teeth help form stronger jaw bones.
How did the research team demonstrate this potential?
Researchers sourced stem cells from wisdom teeth that were already planned to be removed.
The cells were added to a reconstructive scaffold and placed in the jaw to fill in a jaw bone defect.
Patients were checked at one year and three years and it was found that the new bone formed had both normal function and a healthy blood supply.
The area treated with dental stem cells showed superior bone repair compared to the area treated without dental stem cells.