Polymeric scaffolds for dental pulp tissue engineering: A review

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Endodontics

Background:

• Pulp tissue engineering aims to restore damaged dentin-pulp complex.
• Current research focuses on scaffolds and stem cells for pulp regeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent developments in pulp tissue engineering.
• To discuss scaffold materials, fabrication, and stem cells for pulp regeneration.
• To explore the potential of these strategies in revitalizing damaged dentin-pulp tissue.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of online databases (PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library).
• Selection of relevant studies, prioritizing recent research (past decade).

Main Results:

• Biomaterial scaffolds and stem cells demonstrate safety and potency for pulp tissue regeneration.
• Both natural and synthetic polymers show positive in vitro and in vivo results for cell attachment, proliferation, and angiogenesis.
• Scaffold material influences stem cell differentiation into odontoblasts and tissue repair biochemistry.

Conclusions:

• Pulp tissue engineering using scaffolds and stem cells is a viable strategy for restoring tooth vitality.
• Varied scaffold designs and biomaterials offer diverse applications in endodontics.
• Evidence-based tissue engineering holds significant potential for pulp regeneration outcomes.