The Foundation of Stem Cells in the Field of Endodontics

Abstract

The pulp-dentin complex regenerates the damaged coronal dentin, resorbed root, cervical or apical dentin. Regenerative procedures are to be done with the use of tissue engineering materials, stem cells and suitable biochemical factors that will enhance or replace biological functions. Largely the objective of tissue engineering is the functional restoration of tissue structures. Clinical applications depends on the use of a potential material which would be antiinflammatory, antibacterial and can simultaneously enhance the proliferation and induce the differentiation of the present Dental Pulp Stem Cells (DPSC) into odontoblast-like cells leading to dentin formation. Formation of a reparative dentin layer would provide an optimal barrier to avoid any bacteria infiltration to the pulp tissue, which is not provided by any artificial restorative materials. So application of a scaffold on an open pulp enabling odontoblast-like cells to grow into the scaffold and to convert it into dentin would be an ideal goal. Regenerative endodontics comprises research in adult stem cells, growth factors, organ-tissue culture, and tissue engineering materials.