Regenerative Endodontics: Saving Teeth with Stem Cells
Stem cells play a demanding role in development and in tissue regeneration. The dental pulp contains a small sub-population of stem cells that are involved in the response of the pulp to caries progression. Odontoblasts replaced by stem cells that have undergone cell death as a consequence of the cariogenic challenge. Stem cells also secrete factors that have the potential to enhance pulp vascularization and provide the oxygen and nutrients required for the dentinogenic response that is typically observed in teeth with deep caries. Angiogenic factors, contribute to the demise of the pulp by enhancing vascular permeability and interstitial pressure required for dentin regeneration. Recent studies focused on the biology of dental pulp stem cells revealed that the multipotency and angiogenic capacity of these cells could be exploited therapeutically in dental pulp tissue engineering. ...