Wisdom Teeth as a Source of Stem Cells
Yes, wisdom teeth do contain stem cells, specifically dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) that possess mesenchymal stem cell properties and can differentiate into multiple cell types including odontoblasts, osteoblasts, adipocytes, chondrocytes, and neural cells. 1, 2
Characteristics of Dental Pulp Stem Cells
- Dental pulp stem cells from wisdom teeth are ectodermal-derived stem cells that originate from migrating neural crest cells and exhibit mesenchymal stem cell properties 2
- These cells express specific mesenchymal stem cell markers including CD73, CD90, CD105, and CD44, while lacking hematopoietic/endothelial markers (CD34, CD45, CD11b) 1
- DPSCs meet the three minimum characteristics of stem cells as defined by the NIH: (1) capable of division and self-renewal for long periods, (2) unspecialized, and (3) ability to give rise to specialized cell types 3
- They can be isolated from wisdom teeth using either enzymatic dissociation of pulp tissue or outgrowth from tissue explants 1
Differentiation Potential
- Human dental pulp stem cells from wisdom teeth demonstrate multipotent differentiation capacity, able to differentiate into:
Clinical Significance and Applications
- Wisdom teeth represent an easily accessible source of stem cells during adulthood that can be obtained through routine dental procedures such as extractions 1, 6
- These cells have high proliferation potential compared to other adult stem cell sources, making them valuable candidates for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine 1
- DPSCs from wisdom teeth have immunomodulatory effects, potentially making them suitable even for allograft transplantation 1
- They show promise for dental tissue regeneration, bone augmentation, and healing of periodontal diseases 6, 5
Important Distinctions and Caveats
- It's important to distinguish these dental pulp stem cells from embryonic stem cells (ESCs) or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) 2
- While dental pulp stem cells are classified as adult/postnatal stem cells, they are not pluripotent like embryonic stem cells 3, 2
- The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons cautions against misrepresenting minimally manipulated cell preparations as "stem cells," as this has created substantial confusion 3
- Clinical applications of dental stem cells are still being investigated, with numerous preclinical studies showing promise but clinical validation still ongoing 6, 4
Practical Considerations for Collection and Storage
- Extraction of wisdom teeth, particularly impacted third molars, provides an opportunity to harvest and preserve these stem cells 1, 6
- Proper isolation methods are crucial for obtaining viable dental pulp stem cells, with established protocols including enzymatic dissociation or outgrowth from tissue explants 1
- For optimal stem cell yield, extraction should ideally be performed when the tooth root is still developing 5, 4