In recent years, advancements in medical research and technology have paved the way for ground-breaking developments in healthcare. One such revolutionary field is dental stem cell banking, an innovative approach that holds tremendous potential for the future of oral health.
The Dental Stem Cell Banking Process:
Dental stem cell banking involves the collection and preservation of these valuable stem cells for potential future use. The process typically begins with the extraction of teeth, such as deciduous (baby) teeth or wisdom teeth, which are rich sources of dental stem cells. The collected dental pulp is processed to isolate and store the stem cells in a cryopreserved state. This ensures their long-term viability and usability.
Steps involved in dental stem cell banking:
1. Tooth
Extraction: The process begins with the extraction of teeth, which are rich
sources of dental stem cells. Teeth commonly used for this purpose include
deciduous (baby) teeth, wisdom teeth, or any other teeth that may be extracted
for various reasons (e.g.: orthodontic purposes).
2. Transportation
to the Laboratory: After extraction, the teeth need to be transported to the
stem cell bank's laboratory promptly. The transportation should be done in a
manner that preserves the integrity of the dental tissues and cells.
3. Processing
of Dental Pulp: Once at the laboratory, the dental pulp is carefully extracted
from the teeth. The dental pulp is a soft tissue found in the centre of the tooth
and contains a population of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs).
4. Isolation
of Stem Cells: The next step involves isolating the stem cells from the dental
pulp. Various enzymatic and mechanical methods are used to break down the
tissue and release the stem cells.
5. Cryopreservation:
The isolated stem cells are then cryopreserved, a process in which the cells are
cooled to very low temperatures (usually around -196 degrees Celsius) to halt
all cellular activities. Cryoprotectants are often added to prevent ice crystal
formation, which could damage the cells during freezing.
6. Storage:
The cryopreserved dental stem cells are stored in specialized cryogenic storage
containers, often in liquid nitrogen, to maintain their long-term viability.
These storage facilities are equipped with backup systems to ensure the
integrity of the stored cells.
7. Documentation and Quality Control: Throughout the process, rigorous documentation and quality control measures are implemented to track the identity, purity, and viability of the stored dental stem cells. This information is crucial for future use and regulatory compliance.
Advantages associated with dental stem cell banking:
1. Regenerative
Potential: Dental stem cells can differentiate into various
cell types, including those found in dental tissues, bone, and nerve cells.
This regenerative potential holds promise for repairing and regenerating
damaged tissues, making them valuable for regenerative medicine.
2. Treatment
of Dental Diseases: Dental stem cells can be used to address oral health issues
such as periodontal disease and dental caries. These cells can
regenerate dental tissues, offering a potential alternative or complement to
traditional dental treatments.
3. Emerging
Therapies for Non-Dental Conditions: Ongoing research is exploring the
potential of dental stem cells in treating conditions beyond oral health. These
cells may play a role in the development of therapies for neurodegenerative
diseases, diabetes, and other systemic disorders, expanding their therapeutic
applications.
4. Minimization
of Ethical Concerns: Unlike embryonic stem cells, which have raised ethical
concerns, dental stem cells are typically harvested from discarded teeth, such
as deciduous teeth or extracted wisdom teeth. This minimizes ethical
considerations associated with the collection of stem cells.
5. Reduced
Risk of Rejection: Using an individual's own stem cells for regenerative
therapies reduces the risk of rejection by the immune system. This is
particularly advantageous in comparison to using cells from a donor, where
compatibility issues may arise.
6. Family Banking Options: Some dental stem cell banks offer family banking options, allowing multiple family members to store their stem cells together. This provides a collective resource that could be used for the benefit of family members who share a genetic connection.
At Teeth Care Centre, the best dental hospital in Ahmedabad, Dr. Pankti Patel, the chief dentist of TCC, guides you in the best ways possible about dental stem cell banking. We at Teeth Care Centre have established a junction with a renowned stem cell bank so that we can facilitate all our patients with the extraction of stem cells from the dental pulp of milk teeth and/or from the pulp of wisdom teeth. If you have missed a chance to preserve cells during your birth, then tooth stem cell banking is the alternative for you.
Dental stem cell banking represents a frontier in
healthcare that has the potential to revolutionize the way we approach oral
health and beyond. By harnessing the power of our own cells, we can unlock a
new era of personalized medicine and regenerative therapies. As research in
this field progresses, dental stem cell banking may become a cornerstone in the
future of healthcare, offering individuals a proactive approach to safeguarding
their well-being.
