Parents are interested in preserving their child’s baby teeth due to their potential medical value. These naturally shed teeth contain specialized cells known as dental stem cells. This offers a unique opportunity to store biological material for future therapeutic purposes. The process of collecting and preserving these cells involves both at-home steps and professional laboratory procedures.
Understanding Stem Cells from Baby Teeth
Stem cells are unique cells that can self-renew and differentiate into various specialized cell types. Within the dental pulp, the soft tissue inside teeth, Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) are found. These dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are a valuable source for regenerative medicine due to their multipotent capabilities.
Multipotency means these cells can develop into different cell lineages, such as bone, cartilage, fat, and nerve cells. They also have immunomodulatory properties. Compared to other stem cell sources like bone marrow, dental stem cells are easy to access non-invasively when baby teeth naturally fall out. Their accessibility and differentiation capacity make them a promising subject in ongoing research.
The Process of Tooth Collection at Home
Preserving dental stem cells begins with careful at-home collection of a naturally shed baby tooth. It is important to wait for the tooth to fall out on its own, rather than being extracted, as this generally ensures better cell viability. Upon shedding, handle the tooth cleanly, ideally by the crown, to avoid contamination of the pulp tissue.
Many dental stem cell banking services provide a specialized collection kit, typically including a sterile container and transport medium to maintain vitality. Place the tooth into this kit immediately. If a kit is not immediately available, some guidelines suggest placing the tooth in a sterile, sealed container with milk or saline solution, though professional kits are preferred for optimal preservation.
Speed and hygiene are important during home collection to minimize environmental exposure and prevent bacterial contamination. The collected tooth, within its specialized kit, must then be promptly sent to the chosen stem cell bank, often via overnight delivery, to ensure cell viability for processing.
Professional Processing and Storage
Upon arrival at a specialized dental stem cell bank, precise laboratory procedures begin. The facility verifies the tooth’s integrity and suitability for processing. Stem cells are isolated from the dental pulp, the soft inner part of the tooth, often using enzymatic digestion to release individual cells.
Following isolation, the stem cells are cultured and expanded in a laboratory setting to increase their numbers. This expansion ensures a sufficient quantity of cells is available for potential future applications. After expansion, the cells undergo cryopreservation, a process where they are carefully frozen at ultra-low temperatures, often in liquid nitrogen at around -150 degrees Celsius, to halt their biological activity.
Cryopreservation often involves cryoprotectants like dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) to prevent ice crystal formation and protect cells during freezing. The cells are then stored long-term in secure, specialized cryobanks. These facilities maintain stringent quality control to ensure the cells remain viable and functional for many years, potentially for the individual’s lifetime.
Potential Future Uses of Dental Stem Cells
Dental stem cells show promise for medical and research applications in regenerative medicine. Their multipotent nature allows differentiation into various cell types, valuable for repairing damaged tissues. Research explores their potential in regenerating bone, cartilage, and nerve tissues.
These cells may also contribute to treating certain diseases. Clinical trials are currently investigating the use of dental stem cells for conditions such as pulpitis, periapical lesions, and periodontal disease. Research also explores broader applications, including neurological disorders like stroke, and regenerating entire teeth or parts of teeth.
While many applications are in research or clinical trials, dental stem cells offer a promising avenue for future therapies. Their accessibility and regenerative capabilities make them a valuable resource in the evolving field of personalized medicine.
Key Considerations Before Proceeding
Before banking dental stem cells, parents should consider several practical aspects. Costs typically include an initial enrollment and processing fee, followed by annual storage fees. Initial costs range from $550 to $750 for the first year, with annual fees around $120. Long-term storage plans, often spanning 20 years, might cost between $2,000 and $5,000.
Choosing a reputable and accredited stem cell bank is important. Parents should research facilities that adhere to high scientific standards and possess experience in cryopreservation and banking. Not all collected teeth yield viable stem cells, as tooth health and handling influence cell quality.
The field of dental stem cell banking is evolving, with many potential applications under investigation rather than being widely available treatments. Banking these cells represents an investment in potential future medical needs, requiring a long-term commitment and understanding of the research landscape.