Buccal Fat Pad–Derived Stem Cells in Three-Dimensional Rehabilitation of Large Alveolar Defects: A Report of Two Cases

Abstract

This case report seeks to describe efficient clinical application of adipose-derived stem cells (AdSCs) originated from buccal fat pad (BFP) in combination with conventional guided bone regeneration as protected healing space for reconstruction of large alveolar defects after extraction of multiple impacted teeth. The first case was a 19-year-old woman with several impacted teeth in the maxillary and mandibular regions, which could not be forced to erupt and were recommended for surgical extraction by the orthodontist. After this procedure, a large bone defect was created, and this space was filled by AdSC loaded natural bovine bone mineral (NBBM), which was protected with lateral ramus cortical plates, microscrews, and collagen membrane. After 6 months of post-guided bone regeneration, the patient received 6 and 7 implant placements, respectively, in the maxilla and mandible. At 10 months postoperatively, radiographic evaluation revealed thorough survival of implants. The second case was a 22-year-old man with the same complaint and large bony defects created after his teeth were extracted. After 6 months of post-guided bone regeneration, he received 4 dental implants in his maxilla and 7 implants in the mandible. At 48 months postoperatively, radiographs showed complete survival of implants. This approach represented a considerable amount of 3-dimensional bone formation in both cases, which enabled us to use dental implant therapy for rehabilitation of the whole dentition. The application of AdSCs isolated from BFP in combination with NBBM can be considered an efficient treatment for bone regeneration in large alveolar bone defects.