Dental diseases affecting the gums (periodontal diseases) are extremely prevalent in our society. The effects of periodontal disease can be particularly severe as loss of support for the teeth leads to loose teeth and severely compromised chewing function. If left untreated, the associated loss of function may necessitate extraction of the teeth. We have recently identified cells residing in the periodontal ligament which may be adult stem cells. This project will further characterize these cell ....Dental diseases affecting the gums (periodontal diseases) are extremely prevalent in our society. The effects of periodontal disease can be particularly severe as loss of support for the teeth leads to loose teeth and severely compromised chewing function. If left untreated, the associated loss of function may necessitate extraction of the teeth. We have recently identified cells residing in the periodontal ligament which may be adult stem cells. This project will further characterize these cells and explore whether they can be used to restore periodontal tissues damaged by periodontal disease.Read moreRead less