The Future of Stem Cells in Dentistry
What are Stem Cells?
Stem cells are the body's raw materials — cells from which all other cells with specialized functions generate. Under the right conditions in the body or a laboratory, stem cells divide to form more cells called daughter cells. Stem cells are extracted from embryos, adult tissues, amniotic fluid, and umbilical cord blood.1 While stem cells can have regenerative effects, much of the research, understanding, and regulatory structures are in their infancy. In 2016, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) created a $30 million research fund for the study of stem cells, and in 2017, the FDA released four guidance documents for the cells' use under the category of regenerative medicine.2
Stem Cells in Dentistry
Stem cells have been used in medicine for quite some time. For example, they can be applied in dentistry to help patients with jaw pain, tooth sensitivity, and various periodontal conditions, as well as those at risk of needing root canals. The stem cells used in clinical settings are derived from umbilical cord blood.
As for clinical evidence and outcome data, there is still more data and research to be collected. In addition, since stem cells are so new to dentistry, only a few dentists in the country even offer this service. So cumulative data and procedures with success are a work in progress.
There are several FDA-approved medical stem cell treatments. For example, the Mayo Clinic uses stem cells to help patients fight various forms of cancer, including leukemia, lymphoma, neuroblastoma, and multiple myeloma, and to replace cells damaged by chemotherapy.
Costs, Insurance, and the Future of Stem Cells
The Mayo Clinic, the Cleveland Clinic, the Swedish Medical Center in Seattle, and the University of Miami are all well-known medical systems offering stem cell therapy. Costs for treatments can range from $700 to $5,000. Insurance often will not cover the treatment, so patients pay for it out of pocket. Since it is a direct payment from the patient to their medical provider, there is no need for medical providers to coordinate with insurance companies in the billing process.
The price point is still prohibitive for most, and insurance does not cover it. In the future, costs will drop so more of the population can afford to utilize this health benefit.
As more research is compiled, evidence may be discovered to further support applications of stem cells in dentistry, making this an important topic for dentists to watch in the coming years.
Dr. Johnson values continuing education and offering patients of Midwest BioHealth the best care available in holistic dentistry. As more research and data become available, we will offer updates on the practical application and availability of stem cell therapy in our practice.
References
1. "Stem Cells: What They Are and What They Do." Mayo Clinic, 8 June 2019, mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/bone-marrow-transplant/in-depth/stem-cells/art-20048117. Accessed 1 Dec. 2020.
2. "FDA's Framework for Regulating Regenerative Medicine Will Improve Oversight." Pew Charitable Trusts, 17 Oct. 2019, pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/reports/2019/10/17/fdas-framework-for-regulating-regenerative-medicine-will-improve-oversight.
3. "Investigating the Role of Stem Cells in Tooth Repair, Harvard School of Dental https://hsdm.harvard.edu/news/researchers-investigate-role-stem-cells-repairing-teeth
4. "Stem cell-based bone and dental regeneration: a view of microenvironmental modulation" International Journal of Oral Science (2019) https://www.nature.com/articles/s41368-019-0060-3