# @science on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DWXRb5qEzNn
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/62020611-science-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/3221b6f483.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-03-26T22:00:29.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Science 🧬 (@science) — https://gondola.cc/science

## Caption

Wisdom tooth extraction is a rite of passage for millions each year. Threatening, inconvenient, and painful, the third molars are often removed and discarded. But new research published in Stem Cell Research & Therapy shows these teeth contain valuable stem cells. These cells may help treat brain, heart, and joint diseases.⁠
⁠
Each wisdom tooth holds dental pulp, a soft core filled with stem cells. In lab settings, researchers can turn these cells into nerve, bone, or heart tissue. Remarkably, lab-grown neuron-like cells from wisdom teeth can fire electrical signals. This means they may one day replace damaged brain cells.⁠
⁠
Roughly 10 million wisdom teeth are removed in the U.S. each year. Most are thrown away, but they may be a hidden medical resource. New findings suggest these cells could be key to future therapies.⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
#wisdomteeth #teeth #dental #medicine #biology #science

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 2,124
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 63

## Tags

teeth, science, dental, medicine, biology, wisdomteeth

---
Copyright (c) Gondola