Diabetes and calcification within the dental pulp: a scoping review

Background Type 2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease characterised by hyperglycaemia and pathology which may include calcifications. This scoping review aimed to investigate the evidence surrounding the influence of diabetes on dental pulp calcification to extend translational understanding which may inform clinical practice.Methods A literature search was conducted using Medical Subject Headings terms and keywords across multiple databases, including Embase, Medline, Web of science, and Scopus, up to May 2025. Laboratory and clinical studies evaluating diabetes and pulp calcification were included, screened, and analysed systematically following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Reviews guidelines.Results In total, 23 studies were reviewed, comprising 16 in vitro studies, and seven clinical studies. In vitro findings indicated that high glucose levels and advanced glycation end-products contributed to pulp calcification. Human radiographic studies reported a higher prevalence of pulp stones in molar teeth, although the association between diabetes and the presence of calcification was unclear.Conclusion Hyperglycaemia and diabetes are associated with increased pulp calcification which can create difficulties during endodontic treatment. Further well controlled laboratory and imaging studies are needed to enhance understanding.