Stem cells in Periodontology

Periodontitis is characterized by inflammation-induced progressive damage to the tooth-supporting structures until tooth loss occurs. The ultimate goal of periodontal therapy is the regeneration of these lost tissues in the periodontium. The use of stem cells for periodontal regeneration is an emerging field in translational research with scope of potential treatment for periodontitis. Stem cells have the remarkable potential to develop into many different cell types in the body during early life and growth. In addition, in many tissues they serve as a form of internal repair system dividing essentially to replenish other cells of the body. Recently, reports have begun to emerge demonstrating that populations of adult stem cells reside in the periodontal ligament of humans and other animals. This opens the way for new cell-based therapies for periodontal regeneration. For this to become a reality a thorough understanding of adult human stem cells is needed. This book provides an overview of adult human stem cells and their potential use in periodontal regeneration.