Role of stem cells in dentistry: A review

Abstract

The current strategy of dental treatment is based on 3 elements-restore, retain and revitalize. Replacing the lost or diseased tissue with the same natural tissue is a challenge in the field of dentistry. Keeping this in mind, the use of stem cells has emerged as a potential way for its ideal replacement. Stem cells are undifferentiated cells, which can differentiate or multiply into particular types of cells and tissues. Besides stem cells, scaffolds and growth factor abandoned their role in the field of regeneration. Stem cells can be easily isolated from the orofacial region and have the property to differentiate into osteogenic, odontogenic, adipogenic, neurogenic components. This review article will discuss both embryonic and adult stem cells, sources, and their role in the process of regeneration along with tissue engineering strategy.