Stem cells in periodontics

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. The recent identification and isolation of stem cells from the periodontal ligament represents a significant development in the progress towards predictable periodontal regeneration. Co-culturing of mesenchymal stem cells with periodontal ligament stem cells resulted in mesenchymal stem cells developing periodontal ligament-like characteristics both in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, these cells may have the potential to form other periodontal tissues. This review article provides an overview of stem cells and their current role in periodontal regeneration.