Apical Papilla Stem Cells and its Significance in Regeneration of Dental Tissues

The use of allogeneic stem cells strongly extends the range of stem cell applications in dentistry1; stem cells have the capacity to divide and differentiate into various other cells of other tissues (multipotency) ². The search for stem cells other than bone marrow has given rise to more interest in dental tissues. Human dental stem/progenitor cells (collectively termed dental stem cells [DSCs]) that have been isolated and characterized include dental pulp stem cells, stem cells from exfoliated deciduous teeth, stem cells from apical papilla (SCAP), periodontal ligament stem cells, and dental follicle progenitor cells³. The SCAP stem cells appear to be the source of odontoblasts that are responsible for the formation of root dentin. Conservation of these stem cells when treating immature teeth may allow continuous formation of the root to completion. This article reviews current findings on the isolation and characterization of these stem cells. The potential role of these stem cells in the following respects will be discussed: (1) their contribution in continued root maturation in endodontically treated immature teeth with periradicular periodontitis or abscess and (2) their potential utilization for pulp/dentin regeneration and bioroot engineering⁴.