Periodontal Stem Cell Transplantation Shows Promise
A news release distributed by the Cell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, April 11, 2011, announced advancements in periodontal stem cell research. According to the announcement, out of three varieties of dental tissue-derived stem cells, periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) have been found to be the most effective for generating new tissue growth.
Research is supported by the clinical outcome when all three varieties of regenerative stem cells were transplanted into beagle dogs suffering from advanced periodontal disease in their molars and premolars – teeth morphologically similar to human teeth.
According to the researchers at the Seoul National University School of Dentistry in South Korea, PDLSCs produced the highest quality and quantity of regenerated tissues. The less efficacious stem cells were dental pulp stem cells (taken from the center of teeth) and periapical follicular stem cells (taken from the developing root).
The content in this recent news release shows promise for new cell-based therapies for periodontal regeneration. What are your thoughts on these recent PDLSC findings?
Does a tooth need to be extracted to be able to reach for these stem cells?