Stem cells: therapeutic potential in dentistry.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this paper is to present a review and discussion of the current status of stem cell research with regard to tooth generation.


BACKGROUND
Stem cells have been isolated from the pulp tissue of both deciduous and permanent teeth as well as from the periodontal ligament. Dental pulp stem cells demonstrate the capacity to form a dentin pulp-like complex in immunocompromised mice. A tooth-like structure was successfully formed, using a heterogeneous mixture of dental enamel epithelium, pulp mesenchymal cells, and scaffolds.


CONCLUSIONS
The scientific community understands the need for more investigations to completely understand the conditions that would best favor the creation of a tooth substitute. Recent gains in the understanding of the molecular regulation of tooth morphogenesis, stem cell biology, and biotechnology offers the opportunity to realize this goal.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings, combined with the recent progress in stem cell research and tissue engineering, might allow the development of alternatives for current materials and therapies used to treat tooth tissue loss (e.g., enamel, dentin, pulp), reconstruct dentoalveolar and craniofacial bone defects, and eventually replace an entire tooth.
Nedel
Fernanda
F
School of Dentistry, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil. fernandanedel@hotmail.com
André
Dárvi de Almeida
Dde A
de Oliveira
Isabel Oliveira
IO
Cordeiro
Mabel M
MM
Casagrande
Luciano
L
Tarquinio
Sandra Beatriz Chaves
SB
Nor
Jacques Eduardo
JE
Demarco
Flávio Fernando
FF
D053687:Adult Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000502:physiology; D003782:Dental Pulp / Q000166:cytology; D006801:Humans; D059630:Mesenchymal Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D051379:Mice; D009805:Odontogenesis / Q000502:physiology*; D012038:Regeneration / Q000502:physiology*; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000379:methods; D014070:Tooth / Q000502:physiology*