*Senior lecturer, Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, School of Dental Sciences, Sharda University, Greater Noida, UP. E-mail: drritikasharma@gmail.com
**Prof & HOD, Dept. of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, SMS&R, Sharda University, Greater Noida, UP
***Prof & HOD, Dept. of FMT, SMS&R, Sharda University, Greater Noida, UP
****Assoc. Prof, Dept. of FMT, SMS&R, Sharda University, Greater Noida, UP
*****Senior lecturer, Dept. of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, SMS&R, Sharda University, Greater Noida, UP
******Prof & HOD, Dept. of Periodontics, SMS&R, Sharda University, Greater Noida, UP
*******Ex- Medical Consultant, Totipotent SC, SMS&R, Sharda University, Greater Noida, UP
Online published on 27 November, 2013.
Over the years, there has been a startling increase in the incidence of tooth decay and tooth loss which necessitates the need for dental tissue replacement therapies. Recent research in the field of stem cells and in the dental tissue engineering strategies suggests bioengineered tooth replacement to be the need of the hour. Adult dental ectomesenchymal stem cells seem promising for future therapy and have been identified in several oral and maxillofacial tissues, which suggest that the oral tissues are a rich source of stem cells. Dental stem cells are found to have different expression profiles and reside in specific niches. Identification and channelization of these properties of dental stem cells is needed for the optimal utilization of stem cells in the field of Regenerative medicine and Dentistry. Apart from these applications dental stem cells have also found their use in Forensic dental investigation and anthropology which is an exciting new area of research. This article throws light on various sources of stem cells in the orofacial region and their current clinical applications.
Stem cells, Exfoliated deciduous teeth, periodontal ligament, Dentin-pulp complex
