Stem Cell Therapy and Dentistry
This article is a shortened version of content published in the latest issue of AGD Impact. Read the full article.
Stem cells can be extracted from embryos, adult tissues, amniotic fluid and umbilical cord blood.1 While stem cells have been observed to have regenerative effects, much of the research, understanding and regulatory structures are in their infancy. In 2016, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) created a $30 million research fund for the study of stem cells, and, in 2017, the FDA released four guidance documents for the cells’ use under the category of regenerative medicine.2
Stem Cells in Dentistry
“Stem cells have been used in medicine for quite some time, and I saw this as an avenue to improve people’s overall oral health,” said Stephanie Flynn Tilley, DMD, a Florida-based dentist. Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, she was administering stem cell therapy one to two times per month. She has used stem cells to help patients with jaw pain, tooth sensitivity and various periodontal conditions, as well as those at risk of needing root canals. The stem cells used in her clinic are derived from umbilical cord blood.
As for clinical evidence and outcome data, Tilley said, “We are currently collecting data for research. Since stem cells are so new to dentistry, there are only a few dentists in the country who even offer this service. So cumulative data and procedures with success are a work in progress.”
There are several FDA-approved medical stem cell treatments. For example, the Mayo Clinic uses stem cells to help patients fight various forms of cancer, including leukemia, lymphoma, neuroblastoma and multiple myeloma, and to replace cells damaged by chemotherapy.
Costs, Insurance and the Future of Stem Cells
The Mayo Clinic, the Cleveland Clinic, Swedish Medical Center in Seattle and the University of Miami are all well-known medical systems offering stem cell therapy. Costs for therapies can range from $700 to $5,000. Insurance often will not cover the therapy, so patients pay for it out of pocket. Since it is a direct payment from the patient to their medical provider, there is no need for medical providers to coordinate with insurance companies in the billing process.
“The price point is still prohibitive for most, and insurance does not cover it. I hope in the future, costs will drop so more of the population can afford to utilize this health benefit,” Tilley said. “As healthcare providers, our goal is overall wellness.”
As research is completed, evidence may be discovered to further support applications of stem cells in dentistry, making this an important topic for dentists to watch in the coming years.
Dan Kolen is a freelance writer and media producer based in Chicago. To comment on this article, email impact@agd.org.
Read the full article.
References
1. “Stem Cells: What They Are and What They Do.” Mayo Clinic, 8 June 2019, mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/bone-marrow-transplant/in-depth/stem-cells/art-20048117. Accessed 1 Dec. 2020.
2. “FDA’s Framework for Regulating Regenerative Medicine Will Improve Oversight.” Pew Charitable Trusts, 17 Oct. 2019, pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/reports/2019/10/17/fdas-framework-for-regulating-regenerative-medicine-will-improve-oversight.
Stem cells can be extracted from embryos, adult tissues, amniotic fluid and umbilical cord blood.1 While stem cells have been observed to have regenerative effects, much of the research, understanding and regulatory structures are in their infancy. In 2016, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) created a $30 million research fund for the study of stem cells, and, in 2017, the FDA released four guidance documents for the cells’ use under the category of regenerative medicine.2
Stem Cells in Dentistry
“Stem cells have been used in medicine for quite some time, and I saw this as an avenue to improve people’s overall oral health,” said Stephanie Flynn Tilley, DMD, a Florida-based dentist. Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, she was administering stem cell therapy one to two times per month. She has used stem cells to help patients with jaw pain, tooth sensitivity and various periodontal conditions, as well as those at risk of needing root canals. The stem cells used in her clinic are derived from umbilical cord blood.
As for clinical evidence and outcome data, Tilley said, “We are currently collecting data for research. Since stem cells are so new to dentistry, there are only a few dentists in the country who even offer this service. So cumulative data and procedures with success are a work in progress.”
There are several FDA-approved medical stem cell treatments. For example, the Mayo Clinic uses stem cells to help patients fight various forms of cancer, including leukemia, lymphoma, neuroblastoma and multiple myeloma, and to replace cells damaged by chemotherapy.
Costs, Insurance and the Future of Stem Cells
The Mayo Clinic, the Cleveland Clinic, Swedish Medical Center in Seattle and the University of Miami are all well-known medical systems offering stem cell therapy. Costs for therapies can range from $700 to $5,000. Insurance often will not cover the therapy, so patients pay for it out of pocket. Since it is a direct payment from the patient to their medical provider, there is no need for medical providers to coordinate with insurance companies in the billing process.
“The price point is still prohibitive for most, and insurance does not cover it. I hope in the future, costs will drop so more of the population can afford to utilize this health benefit,” Tilley said. “As healthcare providers, our goal is overall wellness.”
As research is completed, evidence may be discovered to further support applications of stem cells in dentistry, making this an important topic for dentists to watch in the coming years.
Dan Kolen is a freelance writer and media producer based in Chicago. To comment on this article, email impact@agd.org.
Read the full article.
References
1. “Stem Cells: What They Are and What They Do.” Mayo Clinic, 8 June 2019, mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/bone-marrow-transplant/in-depth/stem-cells/art-20048117. Accessed 1 Dec. 2020.
2. “FDA’s Framework for Regulating Regenerative Medicine Will Improve Oversight.” Pew Charitable Trusts, 17 Oct. 2019, pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/reports/2019/10/17/fdas-framework-for-regulating-regenerative-medicine-will-improve-oversight.