Stem cells and dentistry are becoming linked in all kinds of new ways. The latest is news that wisdom teeth can be a source of stem cells.
The wisdom teeth don’t contain actual stem cells themselves, but cells inside the dental pulp can be coaxed into creating stem cells.
Since wisdom tooth removal is such a common procedure, and one performed in a sterilized environment, it’s a great opportunity. The tissue removed during the wisdom tooth extraction can be frozen and stored for later use.
What that “later use” might be isn’t clear yet, but it seems likely that new stem cell therapies will continue to be introduced. Recent headlines heralded that fact that dental implants may soon include stem cells.
Are there any dental marketing ramifications? Well, if you remove wisdom teeth, you may find you can offer an additional service at some point in the future!
Read more: Wisdom teeth a source of stem cells and Induction of Pluripotent Stem Cells from Human Third Molar Mesenchymal Stromal Cells