Regenerative Endodontic Therapies: Harnessing Stem Cells, Scaffolds, and Growth Factors

Regenerative Endodontic Therapies (RETs) offer transformative potential by leveraging polymer-based scaffolds, stem cells, and growth factors to regenerate damaged dental pulp tissue, thereby restoring tooth vitality and prolonging tooth function. While conventional treatments focus on infection control, they often compromise the structural and biological integrity of the tooth. RETs, in contrast, aim to restore the natural function of the pulp-dentin complex by promoting cellular regeneration and immune modulation. In this context, biodegradable polymers-such as collagen, gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA), and synthetic alternatives-serve as scaffolding materials that mimic the extracellular matrix, support cell attachment and proliferation, and enable localized delivery of bioactive factors. Together, the tissue engineering triad-polymer-based scaffolds, stem cells, and signaling molecules-facilitates root development, apical closure, and increased fracture resistance. Recent innovations in polymeric scaffold design, including injectable hydrogels and 3D bioprinting technologies, have enhanced clinical translation by enabling minimally invasive and patient-specific RETs. Despite progress, challenges such as immune compatibility, scaffold degradation rates, and the standardization of clinical protocols remain. RETs, thus, represent a paradigm shift in dental care, aligning with the body's intrinsic healing capacity and offering improved long-term outcomes for patients.