Stem Cells from Extracted Teeth

Stem cells are unique because they are precursors to other types of cells, and be directed or transformed into a number of different cell types.  With modern technology, stem cells can be directed to change into specific types of cells that may be needed for healing in other parts of the body or in certain types of diseases.

As a result, amazing new medical treatments utilizing stem cells are being developed to treat a wide range of diseases. Among them are conditions such as:

• Parkinson's Disease
• Brain Injuries
• Heart Disease
• Diabetes
• Arthritis
• Muscular dystrophy
• Leukemia
• Crohn's disease
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Periodontal Disease
• Sports Injuries
• Cosmetic and Anti-aging Applications

While stem cells can be found in most tissues of the body, they are often in very inaccessible areas which may require invasive techniques to harvest (such as bone marrow aspiration).  It is possible to obtain stem cells from the blood through a process known as Apheresis, but this is very expensive process.  Stem cells can also be obtained and banked for later use by saving the umbilical cord at the time of birth.  This is an excellent source of stem cells, but unfortunately most patients have not had this done. 

With the discovery of stem cells in teeth, an accessible and available source of stem cells has been identified. The tooth is nature's "safe" for these valuable stem cells, and there is an abundance of these cells in baby teeth, wisdom teeth and permanent teeth. The stem cells contained within teeth can be recovered and stored indefinitely for any medical need that may arise in the future. Medical advances in stem cell treatments for many diseases are being made every day.  The harvesting of stem cells from dental sources is an easy, effective and inexpensive method of keeping these valuable stem cells stored for any future medical needs that may arise.

Stem cells in the human body age over time and their regenerative abilities may slow down later in life.  The earlier in life that your family's stem cells are secured, the more valuable they will be when they are needed most.

Stem cell recovery and cryopreservation from teeth has many advantages:

Accessible – The stem cells contained within teeth are recovered at the time of a planned procedure:  Extraction of wisdom teeth, baby teeth or other healthy permanent teeth.

Affordable - when compared with other methods of acquiring and preserving life saving stem cells: Peripheral blood, Bone Marrow, Cord blood etc, recovering Stem Cells from teeth is the most affordable and least invasive.

Convenience – the recovery of stem cells from teeth can be performed in the doctor’s office anytime when a healthy tooth is being extracted.

Ease of Use – The recovery of stem cells from teeth does not add any additional time on to a planned procedure.  Your doctor does not require any additional equipment or training.

Frequently asked questions about stem cell recovery and cryopreservation from teeth

Why should someone recover and cryopreserve their own stem cells from teeth?
Healthy dental pulp contains stem cells that are among the most powerful stem cells in the body.  Stem cells from teeth show great promise for future regenerative medical treatments of neurodegenerative diseases, heart disease, diabetes, bone diseases and brain and nerve injuries.

Which teeth are candidates for stem cell recovery and cryopreservation?
Any extracted tooth with a healthy pulp contains stem cells.  Wisdom teeth, baby teeth and other non-infected permanent teeth (i.e. healthy teeth that are fractured or teeth recommended for extraction for orthodontic purposes) are all candidates for stem cell recovery and cryopreservation.

At what age am I no longer eligible to recover and preserve stem cells from teeth?
All extracted healthy teeth contain stem cells.  The younger you are then the younger the cells and as we noted above, these cells may be more beneficial in future regenerative therapies.

Is one tooth enough or should I try to bank as many teeth as possible as the opportunities arise. Also, if I banked deciduous (baby) teeth, should I bank third molars as well?
Diseases of different severity or tissue defects of different size will undoubtedly require different quantities of stem cells. Conceptually, the more teeth that are banked, the greater the potential for harvesting sufficient numbers of stem cells that will then be available for any future medical needs.