Clinical Perspectives of Pulp Regeneration

Area of Science:

• Endodontics
• Regenerative Dentistry
• Dental Pulp Biology

Background:

• A vital pulp is crucial for long-term tooth survival.
• Current endodontic treatments involve removing pulp tissue and replacing it with biomaterials.
• Pulp regeneration is emerging as an alternative treatment concept.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current pulp treatment and regenerative approaches.
• To evaluate these options for both immature and mature teeth in a clinical context.

Main Methods:

• Comparison of clinical success rates of classic treatments (pulpotomy, root canal filling) with regenerative approaches (revitalization, pulp regeneration).

Main Results:

• Revitalization is a viable option for immature teeth with pulp necrosis, yielding acceptable outcomes but with variable root formation.
• Coronal regeneration in immature teeth shows promise but lacks clinical data.
• Mature teeth have limited regeneration potential; cell-based therapies are largely experimental.
• Improved diagnostics and classification of pulp diseases are needed.

Conclusions:

• Biology-based treatments and enhanced diagnostics may reduce the need for root canal filling in certain clinical scenarios.
• Rethinking endodontic concepts is essential for advancing pulp regeneration.