Offers readers an understanding of the development of neural crest cells, which is crucial as many birth defects and tumours are of neural crest origin. Delving into stem cells from different locations of the body, this book explores the best possible source of such cells for the use in medical applications.

Sequential and reciprocal interactions between oral epithelial and cranial neural crest-derived mesenchymal cells give rise to the teeth and periodontium. Teeth are vital organs containing a rich number of blood vessels and nerve fibers within the dental pulp and periodontium. Teeth are composed by unique and specific collagenous (dentin, fibrillar cementum) and non-collagenous (enamel) highly mineralized extracellular matrices. Alveolar bone is another collagenous hard tissue that supports tooth stability and function through its close interaction with the periodontal ligament. Dental hard tissues are often damaged after infection or traumatic injuries that lead to the partial or complete destruction of the functional dental and supportive tissues. Well-established protocols are routinely used in dental clinics for the restoration or replacement of the damaged tooth and alveolar bone areas. Recent progress in the fields of cell biology, tissue engineering, and nanotechnology offers promising opportunities to repair damaged or missing dental tissues. Indeed, pulp and periodontal tissue regeneration is progressing rapidly with the application of stem cells, biodegradable scaffolds, and growth factors. Furthermore, methods that enable partial dental hard tissue repair and regeneration are being evaluated with variable degrees of success. However, these cell-based therapies are still incipient and many issues need to be addressed before any clinical application. The understanding of tooth and periodontal tissues formation would be beneficial for improving regenerative attempts in dental clinics. In the present e-book we have covered the various aspects dealing with dental and periodontal tissues physiology and regeneration in 6 chapters: 1. General principles on the use of stem cells for regenerating craniofacial and dental tissues 2. The roles of nerves, vessels and stem cell niches in tissue regeneration 3. Dental pulp regeneration and mechanisms of various odontoblast functions 4. Dental root and periodontal physiology, pathology and regeneration 5. Physiology and regeneration of the bone using various scaffolds and stem cell populations 6. Physiology, pathology and regeneration of enamel using dental epithelial stem cells

This book provides a complete review of all types of glass-ionomer cements, from their uses and limitations to problems associated with their use in modern dental practice, with particular emphasis on restorative and pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, prosthodontics, and endodontics.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Isolation, Characterization, and Applications thoroughly presents the isolation, characterization, and some applications of mesenchymal stem cells in the clinic. The book has two parts: "Isolation and Characterization" and "Clinical Perspectives and Applications." In Part I, the subsequent chapters introduce some techniques in isolation, characterization, and purification of mesenchymal stem cells in different tissues. In Part II, some applications of mesenchymal stem cells in the popular diseases, which include cartilage regeneration, spinal cord injury, and osteoarthritis, are discussed. This book provides a succinct yet comprehensive overview of mesenchymal stem cells for advanced students, graduate students, and researchers.