The coming era of regenerative endodontics: what an endodontist needs to know

Recently, two new clinical concepts have emerged for the management of endodontically compromised immature permanent teeth. One involves a revitalization approach to achieve tissue generation and regeneration in the root canal system. In this method, new living tissue is expected to form in the cleaned canal space allowing continued root development in terms of both length and thickness. The other is the active pursuit of pulp/dentine regeneration via tissue engineering technology to implant or re-grow pulps. Although the technology is still at its infancy, it has potential to benefit immature pulpless teeth by allowing continued growth and maturation. Evidence has shown that using dental stem cells, pulp and dentin can be regenerated in the root canal space. It is foreseeable that a decade or two from now, regenerative endodontics is likely to be an alternative treatment modality for clinical endodontics. It is therefore important for us to understand stem cells and tissue regeneration and be prepared for this clinical practice.