Swiss Study Finds Stem Cells May Treat Orofacial Pain With Few Side Effects

A study recently published in the Swiss journal Frontiers in Pain Research delves into the efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as a potential treatment for orofacial pain, a persistent health issue in the United States. Current analgesic drug use for such pain often leads to adverse effects, necessitating alternative approaches. The study explores the use of MSCs, focusing on their pain-relieving properties. Preclinical and clinical results, both in orofacial and non-orofacial pain, highlight the promising potential of MSCs. The paper discusses the outcomes of MSC treatment, comparing the properties of stem cells from different tissue origins. Mechanisms underlying MSCs’ analgesic and anti-nociceptive properties, involving immune cells and the endogenous opioid system, are explored. While regulatory approval for stem cell interventions in dentistry is limited internationally, the Australian government’s approval in 2018 marked a notable exception. Dentists, with unique access to stem cells from sources like the maxilla, mandible, and local fat deposits, hold a distinct advantage in exploring MSC-based treatments. The study highlights the potential of autologous stem cells in offering therapeutic benefits, such as anti-inflammatory actions, immune system modulation, and tissue regeneration, without the side effects associated with traditional drug treatments for orofacial pain. Click here to read more.