Stem cells
Your oral surgeon can harvest stem cells from extracted wisdom teeth for potential future use in medical treatments.
Bank stem cells
There is an incredible potential for stem cells and the future of regenerative medicine, and you can be a part of it by choosing to harvest your child’s stem cells after their wisdom teeth extraction procedure. Wisdom teeth contain many stem cells which can differentiate into different types of cells in the body.
At Beech & Reid Oral & Dental Implant Surgery, we have partnered with Stemodontics® to help your patients invest in a healthy future. Our doctors can harvest stem cells from the wisdom teeth of eligible patients instead of throwing them away as medical waste. Please watch the videos below to learn more about stem cell banking. You can also schedule an appointment at our Sunnyvale, San Jose, or Milpitas office to discuss stem cell banking with your oral surgeon.
What are stem cells?
Stem cells are naturally occurring cells in the body. They restore and repair damaged tissues. Specialized cells can only duplicate into more of the same kind—muscle cells can only duplicate into more muscle cells, and so on. Stem cells are unique because they can differentiate into any type of specialized cell your body needs, including skin, muscles, bones, nerves, and more. Adult stem cells are very sustainable and can survive in a controlled environment outside the body while continuing to replicate cells.
Regenerative medicine today involves researchers harnessing these cells to help patients’ bodies heal from injuries and diseases. Stem cell biology can specifically address diseases and disorders that were once untreatable, and the future potential for stem cell use is extremely bright.
Why bank stem cells?
At the time of your child’s wisdom teeth removal, they have a large number of stem cells present in their wisdom teeth. As we age, our numbers of stem cells decline. Additionally, wisdom teeth are typically strong, healthy teeth. They are usually only removed because there is not enough room in the mouth. Since these teeth are healthy, they are excellent storage houses for a large number of stem cells.
When you bank stem cells, they are stored in a secure laboratory until needed. Banking stem cells early maximizes their value and sustainability, which gives the greatest chance at fighting future illnesses and diseases.
How do I get started?
Getting started with Stemodontics is easy. Simply sign up in our office during your appointment with Dr. Beech or Dr. Reid. We will answer any of your questions and guide you through the process of stem cell banking. We can help you complete the enrollment process online. Once approved, Stemodontics will send a collection kit to our office, which we will use to collect the stem cells and ship back to their state-of-the-art laboratory overnight. When you need your stem cell sample, simply contact Stemodontics and they will deliver it to your designated healthcare provider.
