Potential of Stem Cells in Dental Pulp Regeneration:
As Integrative Review of Recent Literature
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36557/2009-3578.2025v11n2p2348-2359Keywords:
Regenerative Endodontics, Stem Cells, Dental Pulp, Biomaterials, Tissue Regeneration.Abstract
Regenerative endodontics has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional root canal therapy, aiming not only to eradicate infection but also to restore the vitality and physiological functions of dental pulp. The progress of this field is strongly associated with the use of mesenchymal stem cells derived from dental tissues, such as dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED), stem cells from the apical papilla (SCAP), and periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs). These cells exhibit remarkable differentiation potential into odontoblasts, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells, all of which are essential for dentin-pulp complex regeneration. Recent studies have demonstrated that combining stem cells with biomaterials and signaling molecules supports dentin matrix deposition, angiogenesis, and partial reinnervation. Various bioactive scaffolds and molecules, such as allantoin, have shown encouraging effects on modulating cellular responses. Moreover, growing evidence highlights the role of epigenetic regulation in controlling stem cell proliferation and differentiation, opening new therapeutic avenues. Clinically, the choice of intracanal irrigants and medicaments has proven crucial for stem cell viability, with EDTA showing beneficial effects compared to the cytotoxicity of sodium hypochlorite. Adjuvant strategies such as photobiomodulation have also been explored to enhance regenerative outcomes. Despite these advances, most evidence remains limited to in vitro and animal studies, while randomized controlled clinical trials in humans are still scarce. Challenges such as protocol standardization, ethical and regulatory barriers, and clinical validation remain unresolved. Thus, although regenerative endodontics represents a new paradigm, its consolidation in daily practice will depend on robust translational research that bridges basic science and clinical dentistry.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Ana Luísa de Castro e Silva, Gabriel da Silva Costa, Rafael Arantes Soares Reis , Aléxia Caroline Leandro da Conceição , Jennifer Vera Santos Gumert, Ediliana Dias Chaves Campos de Amaral, Nataly Nascimento Lemos Cavanha
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