Dental stem cell banking facility launched in city

In contrast to umbilical cord blood banking where stem cells are obtained from the cord of a newly born child,this innovative option allows an individual a larger window to harvest and store stem cells that have the potential to shield individuals from critical health concerns that may arise in the future.

Dr Anand Sajnani,a paediatric dentist said,“Dental stem cells are a potent source of mesenchymal (tissue-related) stem cells whilst umbilical cord blood provides haematopoietic (blood-related) stem cells. Haematopoietic stem cells have the potential to treat only blood related disorders such as leukemia,whereas,mesenchymal stem cells have potential applications in all other tissues of your body such as brain (Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease),eyes (corneal reconstruction),liver (cirrhosis),pancreas (diabetes),bone (fractures,reconstruction) and cartilage (osteoarthritis).”

“For all those people who have missed the opportunity of storing umbilical cord blood during delivery,dental stem cell banking provides a remarkable option. Dental stem cells provide a wonderful opportunity,not only to children but also to teenagers and adults to bank their stem cells,” said the doctor.