Current and Future Perspectives for Dentin-pulp Tissue Engineering – An update

ABSTRACT

The ball has been set rolling with the isolation of dental pulp stem cells in 2000 for tissue engineering to generate dental pulp. The rationale lies in the possibility of further root development and reinforcement of dentinal walls by deposition of hard tissues which are usually a clinical problem of interest for dentists. In such scenarios, mechanical preparation of the root canal may further weaken the thin dentinal walls and increase the risk of tooth fracture. On the other hand, regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs) could be a better solution. Many exciting areas of endodontic research are emerging and contributing to an increasing momentum of activity in this discipline including regenerative procedures in permanent teeth. This review is an attempt to update on the current trends.