Think twice before pulling…or throwing out wisdom teeth, they contain valuable stem cells.

Researchers in Japan recently published a report that they identified pluripotential stem cells within wisdom teeth The significance of this finding is the potential use of these non embryonic stem cells in the treatment of many degenerative diseases. Wisdom teeth or third molars are organs that develop in the jaw bone after birth. The stem cells associated with the formation of the wisdom teeth and the supporting structures, differentiate to produce, bone, blood vessels, nerves, periodontal ligaments and the hard structures of the tooth; cementum, dentin and enamel. During the development of these teeth, the stem cells are immature and express markers that are similar to the markers found on pluripotential embryonic stem cells. Because they are pluripotental, the stem cells from wisdom teeth are plastic and can be turned into many different types of cells in the laboratory; bone, cartilage, adipose, muscle, neural tissues, blood vessel etc. These stem cells can be directed to form specific tissues and organs that can be transplanted back into individuals to cure degenerative diseases.
The article also points out that the stem cells were recovered at the time the wisdom teeth were extracted and then sent to a lab for processing and cryopreservation. Three years later, the frozen tissue was thawed. The stem cells, still maintaining their viability, underwent expansion in the laboratory. Lead investigator of the project, Hajime Ogushi, told AFP news agency that their work was significant for two reasons. First, it avoids the ethical problem of using embryonic stem cells, and besides, wisdom teeth are usually thrown away, and second, it is easy to stock wisdom teeth. Another benefit not discussed in the article was that these stem cells could be transplanted back into the individual from whom they were recovered, with little chance for rejection or the need for that individual to take powerful anti rejection medications. StemSave, Inc ., www.StemSave.com is a company that partners with Dental Professionals allowing patients the opportunity to recover and cryo-bank their own (autologous) stem cells for future regenerative purposes when having wisdom teeth, baby teeth or other healthy teeth extracted. Next time you are recommending the extraction of wisdom teeth to a patient, consider offering the option of banking these valuable stem cells instead of throwing them into the waste.