Stem Cells: An Arrow In The Quiver... Does It Lead To Bull's Eye????!!!!

Abstract

The periodontium is an unusually complex tissue comprised of two hard (cementum and bone) and two soft (gingiva and periodontal ligament) tissues. To date, restoration of damaged or diseased periodontal tissues has relied almost entirely on the use of implantation of structural substitutes, often with little or no reparative potential. More recently, biological approaches based on the principles of tissue-engineering have emerged as prospective alternatives to conventional treatments. These new approaches based on an understanding of the cell and molecular biology of the developing and regenerating periodontium, offer interesting alternatives to existing therapies for the repair and regeneration of the periodontium. Stem cells prove to be a promising as well as an effective novel approach in the regeneration of the periodontal apparatus.