Year : 2016

Volume : Volume 6

Issue : Issue 3

Address for correspondence :
Pratibha Katiyar
kaushik.pandey05@gmail.com

Abstract

Background:  The human body performs a variety of functions essential for its survival and healthy existence which is made possible by the ability of the tissues to undergo renewal or regeneration following trauma or disease. This renewal or regeneration of tissues is possible due to the existence of a unique set of unspecialized cells – “The Stem Cells”. These cells are unique because of their potential ability for unlimited replication and capacity for differentiation into other cell types from the same embryonic germ layer or to trans-differentiate into cells from a different germ layer. Similarly teeth exhibit limited repair in response to damage, and dental pulp stem cells probably provide a source of cells to replace those damaged and to facilitate repair. Stem cells in other parts of the tooth, such as the periodontal ligament and growing roots, play more dynamic roles in tooth function and development. Dental stem cells can be obtained with ease, making them an attractive source of autologous stem cells for use in restoring vital pulp tissue removed because of infection, in regeneration of periodontal ligament lost in periodontal disease, and for generation of complete or partial tooth structures to form biological implants.

Keywords: Stem cells, Embryonic cells, Tissue engineering.