Advances in Odontogenic Regeneration: From Fundamental Research to Clinical Application

Dentin is the primary mineralized tissue of the tooth, essential for pulp protection and enamel support. Its regenerative capacity is critical for dental health. This review summarizes recent progress in odontogenic regeneration, covering fundamental biological mechanisms and translational applications. A literature search of peer-reviewed studies on odontogenic regeneration, dental tissue engineering, and biomaterial-based strategies was conducted. Key advances include signaling pathway-guided stem cell differentiation into functional odontoblasts, which promotes reparative dentin matrix formation, and biomaterial innovations that provide optimized cellular microenvironments. Emerging clinical strategies, including 3D printing, growth factor delivery systems, and gene-editing approaches, are also discussed. Despite substantial progress, challenges remain in the precise control of stem cell fate specification, long-term biocompatibility of biomaterials, and high clinical costs. Future interdisciplinary integration holds promise for overcoming these hurdles, advancing personalized therapies, and expanding dental restoration and regenerative medicine. The evolving strategies offer meaningful potential for dentin-pulp complex regeneration, improved pulp preservation, personalized scaffold fabrication via 3D printing, and the eventual development of cost-effective, biocompatible clinical therapies.