The Role of Stem Cells in Periodontal Regeneration
Posted on 10/15/2025 by Mukilteo Smiles Office |
 Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the tissues surrounding your teeth. It's caused by bacteria that build up on the teeth and gums, forming plaque. This plaque irritates the gums, causing them to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. If left untreated, periodontal disease can damage the supporting structures of your teeth, leading to tooth loss.
Fortunately, there are several treatment options available for periodontal disease, including scaling and root planing, antibiotics, and surgery. However, these treatments often only address the symptoms of the disease and don't always promote the regeneration of lost tissue. This is where stem cells come in.
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that have the potential to develop into different types of cells. In the context of periodontal regeneration, stem cells can be used to grow new bone, gum tissue, and periodontal ligament. This can help to restore the health and function of your teeth and gums.
There are several sources of stem cells that can be used for periodontal regeneration, including:
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Bone marrow: Bone marrow is a rich source of stem cells, but the procedure for harvesting them can be invasive. |
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Periodontal ligament: The periodontal ligament is a thin layer of tissue that surrounds the roots of your teeth. It contains stem cells that can be used to regenerate bone and periodontal ligament. |
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Dental pulp: The dental pulp is the soft tissue inside your teeth that contains nerves and blood vessels. It also contains stem cells that can be used to regenerate dentin, the hard tissue that forms the bulk of your teeth. |
There are two main types of periodontal regeneration procedures:
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Guided tissue regeneration (GTR): In GTR, a membrane is placed between the gum tissue and the bone to prevent the gum tissue from growing into the space where the bone has been lost. This allows the bone and periodontal ligament to regenerate. |
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Bone grafting: In bone grafting, bone material is placed in the area where bone has been lost. This material can come from your own body, a donor, or a synthetic source. The bone graft provides a scaffold for new bone to grow. |
Stem cell therapy is a relatively new treatment for periodontal disease, but research suggests that it may be a promising approach. Several clinical trials are currently underway to evaluate the safety and efficacy of stem cell therapy for periodontal regeneration.
While the research is promising, it's important to remember that stem cell therapy is still considered experimental. More research is needed to determine the long-term effectiveness and safety of this treatment. If you're interested in learning more about stem cell therapy for periodontal regeneration, talk to your dentist.
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