Many of you may have heard about the use of stem cells to regrow injured human tissues. However, not many people know that stem cell therapy also has applications in oral surgery.
What are Stem Cells?
Stem cells are cells in our body that do not develop into just one particular type of tissue or organ. Instead, they have the unique ability to generate into different tissues and can multiply even after periods of inactivity.
Adult stem cells, known as somatic cells, are found in all types of tissues in the human body including the brain, bone marrow, muscles, cartilage, blood vessels, and the dental pulp. With this technology, we can stimulate the formation of bones, cartilage, tendons, skin, ligaments, tendons, and fat cells.
With such abilities, stem cells can help the body heal and recuperate in a better way after a complex oral surgery.
Applications of Stem Cells In Oral Surgery
If any of our hard or soft oral tissue suffers trauma, it affects the functionality and esthetics of your mouth. Consider the example of a decayed or traumatized tooth that needs to be repaired with a root canal treatment. This procedure involves removing the infected dental pulp, sterilizing the tooth chamber, and sealing the cavity with a filling material. If the damage is too extensive, we may have to remove the tooth.
That is because tooth infection can cause necrosis of the pulp and can result in the death of the cells inside your tooth, which can lead to tooth loss.
However, researchers are now looking for the possibility of regenerating dental pulp through stem cells found in mouth and jaw tissues so that the tooth may be able to repair itself naturally and become as good as new.
Benefits of Stem Cells in Oral Surgery
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Stem cells can facilitate the augmentation of bone grafts in the jaw and sinuses.
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They may reduce swelling and post-operative pain.
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They can quicken the healing process.
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They may be able to regrow damaged tooth structure in the future.
Even though stem cell research is still in the experimental phase, there is high hope that its application may soon become feasible in oral surgery. If you suffer from tooth or gum injury or infection, Dr. Cole Anderson and at Treasure Valley Oral & Facial Surgery can determine the health of your tooth and recommend the right dental treatment for you. Call us today at (208) 343-0909 to schedule an appointment.
Many of you may have heard about the use of stem cells to regrow injured human tissues. However, not many people know that stem cell therapy also has applications in oral surgery.