As stem cell therapies become more prominent in regenerative medicine, more people are turning to saving teeth for stem cells as a convenient way to preserve their own powerful biological material. The process is surprisingly straightforward and can be completed in coordination with common dental procedures. This guide outlines each step involved in saving teeth for stem cells, making it easier to understand how you can take advantage of this promising health opportunity.
The first step in saving teeth for stem cells is selecting a suitable tooth. Ideal candidates include naturally shed baby teeth, extracted wisdom teeth, and healthy permanent teeth removed for orthodontic or other medical reasons. The key factor is that the tooth must have healthy pulp tissue inside, where the stem cells are located.
Dentists can help identify which teeth are viable for stem cell collection. Timing is important—teeth should be collected while the pulp is still vital to ensure the best chance of successful cell recovery.
Once the right tooth is identified, the next step is to coordinate with a dental professional who is partnered with a reputable stem cell bank like StemSave. These dentists are trained to properly handle and collect teeth for preservation. They will also ensure that the procedure aligns with regular dental care or planned extractions, making saving teeth for stem cells convenient and seamless.
If your current dentist is not yet participating, StemSave can often assist in connecting you with a certified provider.
Stem cell banks provide specialized collection kits to dental offices for saving teeth for stem cells. The kit includes all the materials needed to preserve the tooth in a sterile, temperature-controlled environment immediately after extraction.
The dentist will place the freshly removed tooth into the collection container provided in the kit. This step is crucial—quick placement and proper storage help maintain the viability of the dental pulp stem cells.
After the tooth is securely placed in the collection kit, it is shipped immediately to a certified processing laboratory. The faster the tooth reaches the lab, the better the chances of successfully isolating the stem cells. That’s why saving teeth for stem cells requires timely coordination between the dentist and the shipping provider.
Most services, like StemSave, use overnight delivery to ensure the tooth arrives quickly for processing.
Once the tooth reaches the lab, technicians carefully extract the dental pulp and isolate the stem cells. These cells are then tested for viability and contamination. If they meet all standards, they are cryogenically preserved in secure storage tanks at extremely low temperatures.
This final step ensures the stem cells are safely stored for long-term use. By saving teeth for stem cells, individuals can access their own preserved biological material for future medical treatments.
After successful processing, the stem cells are securely stored and ready for use if needed. Families receive confirmation that their cells have been preserved, and they maintain ownership and access to these cells at any time.