Frequently asked questions
Browse by topic, or call us at (442) 320-0451 for anything not covered below.
Choosing ToothBank
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Three reasons families choose ToothBank. First, we're significantly more affordable than competitors — with no annual price increases. Second, we're guided by a board of practicing dentists who actively recommend the service to their own patients. Third, we keep the process simple — your dentist needs no special training, and our team is available by phone every step of the way.
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ToothBank offers four plans starting at $650 for the first year ($500 one-time processing fee + $150 annual storage). Multi-year prepaid plans offer significant savings — our 20-year plan costs $2,500 total and saves $1,000 compared to paying annually.
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Yes. If you're banking stem cells for two or more children, we'll work with you on a customized family plan that reduces the per-child cost. We've helped families bank stem cells for up to four siblings on a single plan. Contact us at (442) 320-0451 or ToothBankoffice@gmail.com to discuss pricing for your family.
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Stem cell banking is an elective service, similar to cord blood banking, and is not covered by health insurance. Many families think of it as a one-time investment in their child's medical future — at ToothBank's pricing, that investment costs less than most families spend annually on extracurricular activities.
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In the rare case that cells from a sample aren't viable for preservation, we refund the full processing and storage fees. We'll also discuss whether banking from a second tooth may be a good option for your family.
The Science
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Unlike other cells in the body, stem cells have the ability to transform into different types of cells — bone, cartilage, muscle, nerve, and more. This makes them valuable for regenerative medicine, where they can be used to repair damaged tissue or treat conditions that have no other cure.
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Dental pulp inside teeth contains mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) — the same type used in most regenerative medicine research today. Two specific types come from teeth: dental pulp stem cells from wisdom teeth and permanent teeth, and stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (the baby teeth your child naturally loses). Both have demonstrated higher growth potential than bone marrow-derived stem cells, and they can be collected non-invasively from teeth you'd otherwise discard.
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Three common reasons. First, as a "medical insurance policy" — preserving the option to use stem cell therapies that may emerge over your child's lifetime. Second, because dental stem cells are at peak potency in young teeth, and the window to bank them closes as your child grows. Third, families with a history of conditions being studied in stem cell trials — diabetes, Parkinson's, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders — often want their children to have this option available.
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Stem cells have been successfully stored for over 24 years with no loss of viability. Cryogenic preservation at -196°C effectively stops biological aging — once preserved, cells remain in the same state as the day they were stored, indefinitely.
The Banking Process
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Yes. Stem cells age along with the body, so younger cells have stronger regenerative potential. The ideal banking windows are: baby teeth from ages 5–12, wisdom teeth from teens through young adulthood, and any healthy tooth pulled for orthodontic reasons. Banking earlier means preserving more potent cells — and once preserved, they don't continue to age.
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From the date of extraction, your stem cells are typically cryopreserved within 24-48 hours. While the preservative solution in the collection jar can keep them viable for up to 5 days, we like to get them processed as quickly as possible. You'll receive a Storage Certificate confirming successful preservation once complete.
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Wisdom teeth, baby teeth, and molars or premolars pulled for orthodontic reasons are all excellent candidates. Healthy teeth without significant decay or damage produce the most viable stem cells.
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Yes — banking more teeth means more cells preserved, which gives you greater flexibility for future treatments. There's no additional fee to bank multiple teeth from the same person at the same time.
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Yes. Stem cells are a perfect genetic match for the donor and may or may not be a match for siblings. Each child should have their own stem cells banked. Ask us about family pricing for multiple children.
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Some do. Cell viability depends on whether the nerves and blood supply inside the tooth are still healthy. Teeth with small or recent cavities often work fine; teeth with extensive decay may not. When in doubt, bank it — we'll test viability during processing.
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Your kit includes everything your dentist needs:
A collection jar pre-filled with preservation solution
A shipping container for safe return transport
A pre-paid FedEx shipping label
A simple form for your dentist to complete
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No. Stem cells must be extracted from the dental pulp inside the tooth, processed under sterile lab conditions, and preserved in cryogenic storage at -196°C. A home freezer won't preserve viable cells — the temperature isn't cold enough, and the cells need professional processing within hours of extraction.
Working With Your Dentist
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Let your dentist know in advance that you plan to bank stem cells from the extracted tooth. Most dentists are familiar with the process, and the collection kit includes step-by-step instructions for their team. If your dentist has questions, our team is available by phone to walk them through it.
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Typically no. Your dentist's only role is placing the extracted tooth into the collection kit. Most dentists don't charge anything extra for this. FedEx pickup is fully prepaid by ToothBank, whether they pick up at your dentist's office or your home.
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Just the collection kit. Everything your dentist needs is inside it.
Storage & Access
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Your stem cells are cryogenically preserved at -196°C in our secure facility in Indianapolis, Indiana, with redundant power systems and 24/7 monitoring. Our processing lab is FDA registered, CLIA Certified and your personal medical information is protected under HIPAA — the same federal standards your dentist follows.
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Your account follows you anywhere. Because all samples are stored centrally in Indianapolis, moving doesn't affect access. If you ever need your stem cells for a medical treatment or clinical trial, contact us and we'll coordinate directly with your treating physician or facility to safely ship the cells where they need to go.
