Stem cells and oral surgery: A systematic review

BACKGROUND: Considering the structural loss that occurs after surgical procedures for cystic and tumoral pathology, in periodontitis, as well as the maxillary atrophy that determines the rehabilitation with dental implants, it is imperative to find satisfactory solutions. The opportunity provided by the findings in stem cells is a recent introduction in the field of oral surgery, based on the regenerative potential that these cells possess in order to restore defects at different levels of the oral cavity. The aim of this systematic review is to discover the real applications that stem cells may have in our treatments in the near future. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We made a systematic review of the literature on the subject of stem cells to know the publications relating to them in the field of oral surgery since 2000. PRISMA statement was accomplished, as its official flow chart is used. RESULTS: This article draws clinical conclusions from basic research and those conducted in the first clinical cases to apply them in a short period of time to our patients in order to achieve excellence in regenerative therapies. CONCLUSIONS: To summarize, stem cells may be a turning point in tissue regeneration, though the major challenge is to overcome the remaining obstacles before they become a realistic therapeutic alternative. Key words:Stem cells, oral surgery, cell therapy, regeneration.