Stem Cell Therapy in Dentistry: An Overview.

Cells with a unique capacity for self-renewal and potency are called stem cells. With appropriate biochemical signals stem, cells can be transformed into desirable cells. Regeneration of oral and maxillofacial structures is earned out by using stem cell therapy, and this has gained momentum in recent days. Future tissues like tissue engineered bone grafts, engineered joints and cranial sutures can be developed with stem cell therapy. We have described the properties, types and advantages of dental stem cells. Emphasis is been given to the possibilities of stem cell therapy in the oral and maxillofacial region including regeneration of tooth and craniofacial defects.

Hereditary ectodermal dysplasia: Report of 11 patients from a family.

Hereditary Ectodermal Dysplasia is an inherited disorder commonly involving skin, teeth, hair, and nails. We have observed ectodermal dysplasia (EDs) in 11 individuals over two generations in one family. Smooth, dry, thin skin was seen in most affected individuals. All had fine, slowgrowing scalp hair and body hair and some had sparse eyebrows and short eyelashes. Nearly all showed decrease in sweating. Severe teeth abnormalities were seen in all patients and fingernail abnormalities were not so severe but toenail abnormalities were seen in all patients. No other abnormalities were seen in affected individuals in this family. It is very rare to find such a large family having ectodermal dysplasia.