**Introduction:**<br />Stem cells represent the cornerstone of regenerative medicine due to their unique ability to regenerate and differentiate into various types of cells. In recent years, the wisdom tooth has become an important source of stem cells, providing a non-invasive alternative to stem cells obtained from other sources, such as bone marrow or umbilical cord.<br /><br />**Source of Stem Cells in the Wisdom Tooth:**<br />The pulp of the tooth, especially in an incompletely calcified wisdom tooth, contains mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which are cells capable of transforming into multiple tissue types, including bone, cartilage, nerves, and muscles.<br /><br />**Characteristics and Importance of Stem Cells Extracted from Wisdom Teeth:**<br />A. **Regenerative Ability:** These cells can multiply and maintain their biological activity for extended periods.<br />B. **Flexibility in Differentiation:** They have the ability to differentiate into various cell types, making them useful in regenerative medicine.<br />C. **Cryopreservation:** These cells can be stored for long periods without losing their effectiveness, allowing for their use later when needed.<br />D. **Ease of Extraction:** Compared to stem cells obtained from bone marrow, extracting them from a wisdom tooth is painless and less complex.<br /><br />**Uses of Stem Cells in the Wisdom Tooth:**<br />1. **Regenerative Medicine:**<br /> A. Regenerating damaged dental and bone tissues.<br /> B. Repairing spinal cord and brain injuries.<br /> C. Treating cardiovascular diseases.<br />2. **Stem Cell Therapy:**<br /> A. Treating diabetes by converting them into insulin-producing cells.<br /> B. Developing new treatments for neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.<br /> C. Contributing to cancer research through personalized medicine strategies.<br />3. **Tissue Engineering and Aesthetic Surgery:**<br /> A. Rebuilding bones and cartilage in cosmetic surgeries.<br /> B. Enhancing skin regeneration and treating burns and chronic wounds.<br /><br />**Challenges in Using Stem Cells from Wisdom Teeth:**<br />A. **Limited Quantity:** Not all wisdom teeth contain the same number of stem cells, and their quality may vary depending on the age and health condition of the individual.<br />B. **Unexpected Differentiation:** In some cases, the cells may not transform into the desired tissue as expected.<br />C. **Ethical and Regulatory Considerations:** Although their use does not raise ethical concerns like embryonic stem cells, the regulations for storing and using them are still being developed.<br /><br />**Conclusion:**<br />Stem cells extracted from wisdom teeth represent a promising advancement in regenerative medicine, offering an easy and non-invasive source of cells that can be used in various future treatments. As research continues, this technique is expected to become more widespread, opening new horizons for treating incurable diseases and improving patients' quality of life.<br /><br />Prof. Dr. Younis Abdul Reda Al-Khafaji <br />Future University, the First University in Iraq.