
Practical Access to Stem Cells for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Robert E. Marx, DDS, FACS
Robert E. Marx, DDS, FACS
Today’s point of care in-situ tissue engineering can reconstruct large continuity defects of the mandible and cystic defects as well as regenerate sufficient bone to place dental implants with ridge augmentation procedures! The components of predictable in-situ tissue engineering have been shown to be cells, a signal, i.e., rhBMP-2/ACS, and a matrix, i.e., cancellous allogeneic bone +/or fibrin, fibronectin, vitronectin. As defects become larger and the tissue bed becomes more compromised with scar, radiation, or poor vascularity, a greater number of osteoprogenitor cells/stem cells is required. Three existing bone marrow harvesters have shown the ability to regenerate bone in jaws to varying degrees. Data on these three systems will be compared as well as outcomes in bone regeneration.