FAQ

FAQ

What are Stem Cells?

What are Stem Cells?

Unlike other cells in the body, stem cells have the ability to transform into different types of cells and be used to regenerate tissue, bone, cartilage, and neural tissue.

What are Dental Stem Cells?

What are Dental Stem Cells?

Dental stem cells are adult stem cells found in wisdom teeth and baby teeth. Dental stem cells are part of a group of adult stem cells know as "mesenchymal stem cells” and have the ability to differentiate into bone, dental tissue, cartilage, muscle, neural and other cell types. They are being studied for applications in regenerative medicine and dentistry.

What makes Dental Stem Cells different?

What makes Dental Stem Cells different?

Dental Stem Cells are found in teeth. Primarily they are found in baby teeth and wisdom teeth. The stem cells that are located within teeth are called mesenchymal stem cells. These stem cells are used to regenerate bone and tissue throughout the body. There are currently over 2000 studies using Mesenchymal Stem Cells that are ongoing for treatments in regenerative medicine.

What diseases are being researched?

What diseases are being researched?

Currently there have been over 2000 clinical trials that have been done or are taking place regarding stem cells and regenerative medicine. There are a significant number of applications that are being studied using stem cells that include: Type 1 diabetes, Stroke, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, muscular dystrophy, bone loss, multiple sclerosis, cardiovascular disease, neural injuries, and cancers (Leukemia, Lymphoma).

Why should I store dental stem cells?

Why should I store dental stem cells?

There are several reasons; some have a family history or higher risk that prompts them to consider different options. Most see the future of stem cell research and don’t want to miss the opportunity to save their own stem cells.

Should I bank more than one tooth?

Should I bank more than one tooth?

Yes, banking more teeth will increase the number of cells. There is no additional fee to bank multiple teeth at the same time.

Why Should I choose Tooth Bank to work with?

Why Should I choose Tooth Bank to work with?

When it comes to security, peace of mind, and affordability, there is no better option for you and your family. Tooth Bank provides first-class dental stem cell banking at an affordable price. Our team of scientists, dentists, and business healthcare professionals have decades of experience processing and preserving cells and are here to provide you with that peace of mind.

Multiple Children Banking

Multiple Children Banking

Yes, you should bank teeth from each child. Stem cells may not be a match between children.

Why can’t I just pull out a tooth at the time its needed for cells vs. storing now?

Why can’t I just pull out a tooth at the time its needed for cells vs. storing now?

Just like our bodies, teeth have more strength the younger they are and over time, like our bodies, enamel wears away and stem cells in teeth become less and less. It is important to store now, when your children or family members are young so that the stem cells can be as healthy as possible.

What are the Tooth Bank Kit components?

What are the Tooth Bank Kit components?

In the kit you will receive all the necessary components for your dentist to collect:

  1. Collection Jar for teeth with solution already added
  2. Shipping container to return teeth in
  3. Pre-paid shipping label all completed
  4. Form for dentist to complete and return with the teeth
When should I enroll?

When should I enroll?

If you are expecting the loss of baby teeth or healthy tooth extraction in the next 365 days, you should order a kit today.

Do I need to let my dentist know I am planning on storing my teeth?

Do I need to let my dentist know I am planning on storing my teeth?

It’s best to let your dentist know that you are planning on storing the stem cells. Do let the dentist know that all is included in the kit.

Will my dentist know how to do it?

Will my dentist know how to do it?

All dentists and oral surgeons have done this process. The Tooth Bank is always available to speak with your dentist at any time if they have any questions.

Can I store at home?

Can I store at home?

No, unfortunately, the cells need to be extracted from the dental pulp in the middle of the tooth, processed and then placed in cryopreservation. A freezer at home will not work.

Which teeth are best?

Which teeth are best?

Wisdom teeth, baby teeth and healthy molars are best.

Do teeth with cavities work?

Do teeth with cavities work?

Some teeth with cavities work. It is dependent upon if the nerves and blood supply are still viable.

Do I need to bring anything to my dentist’s office?

Do I need to bring anything to my dentist’s office?

All you need to bring is the collection kit.

Will my dentist charge me?

Will my dentist charge me?

All the Dentist will be doing is placing the extracted teeth into the container. Fed Ex will pick up the kit at the dentist"s office, or you may drop off the kit at FedEX on the way home from the dentists office, or schedule FedEx to pick up at your home. There is no cost to you for Fed Ex to pick up your kit at home.

Can I pay for this with my flexible spending account?

Can I pay for this with my flexible spending account?

Most Flexible Spending Accounts will let you pay for the annual storage fee but not the first years processing fee. It is best to check with your flexible spending representative.

Does insurance cover this service?

Does insurance cover this service?

Unfortunately not. Storing your teeth is an elective procedure.

How long can stem cells be stored?

How long can stem cells be stored?

As of date, stem cells have been stored for over 22 years and have shown to be just as viable after 22 years as new samples.

How do I know my sample will be secure?

How do I know my sample will be secure?

The Tooth Bank is FDA registered and HIPAA compliant, we follow all guidelines.

How do I insure my information is private?

How do I insure my information is private?

The Tooth Bank is under HIPPA compliance rules, same as your dentist

What if my stem cells are not suitable for use?

What if my stem cells are not suitable for use?

This rarely happens, but in the event that in the processing your cells are found not to be viable, all monies you have paid will be refunded less $50.