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International Journal of Molecular... Aug 2021Pulpal and periapical diseases account for a large proportion of dental visits, the current treatments for which are root canal therapy (RCT) and pulp revascularisation.... (Review)
Review
Pulpal and periapical diseases account for a large proportion of dental visits, the current treatments for which are root canal therapy (RCT) and pulp revascularisation. Despite the clinical signs of full recovery and histological reconstruction, true regeneration of pulp tissues is still far from being achieved. The goal of regenerative endodontics is to promote normal pulp function recovery in inflamed or necrotic teeth that would result in true regeneration of the pulpodentinal complex. Recently, rapid progress has been made related to tissue engineering-mediated pulp regeneration, which combines stem cells, biomaterials, and growth factors. Since the successful isolation and characterisation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) and other applicable dental mesenchymal stem cells, basic research and preclinical exploration of stem cell-mediated functional pulp regeneration via cell transplantation and cell homing have received considerably more attention. Some of this effort has translated into clinical therapeutic applications, bringing a ground-breaking revolution and a new perspective to the endodontic field. In this article, we retrospectively examined the current treatment status and clinical goals of pulpal and periapical diseases and scrutinized biological studies of functional pulp regeneration with a focus on DPSCs, biomaterials, and growth factors. Then, we reviewed preclinical experiments based on various animal models and research strategies. Finally, we summarised the current challenges encountered in preclinical or clinical regenerative applications and suggested promising solutions to address these challenges to guide tissue engineering-mediated clinical translation in the future.
Topics: Animals; Dental Pulp; Guided Tissue Regeneration, Periodontal; Humans; Mesenchymal Stem Cells; Regeneration; Retrospective Studies; Root Canal Therapy; Stem Cells; Tissue Engineering
PubMed: 34445703
DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168991 -
International Journal of Molecular... Nov 2021The therapeutic potential of the dental pulp stem (DSC) cell-derived secretome, consisting of various biomolecules, is undergoing intense research. Despite promising in... (Review)
Review
The therapeutic potential of the dental pulp stem (DSC) cell-derived secretome, consisting of various biomolecules, is undergoing intense research. Despite promising in vitro and in vivo studies, most DSC secretome-based therapies have not been implemented in human medicine because the paracrine effect of the bioactive factors secreted by human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) and human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs) is not completely understood. In this review, we outline the current data on the hDPSC- and SHED-derived secretome as a potential candidate in the regeneration of bone, cartilage, and nerve tissue. Published reports demonstrate that the dental MSC-derived secretome/conditional medium may be effective in treating neurodegenerative diseases, neural injuries, cartilage defects, and repairing bone by regulating neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and angiogenic processes through secretome paracrine mechanisms. Dental MSC-secretomes, similarly to the bone marrow MSC-secretome activate molecular and cellular mechanisms, which determine the effectiveness of cell-free therapy. Many reports emphasize that dental MSC-derived secretomes have potential application in tissue-regenerating therapy due to their multidirectional paracrine effect observed in the therapy of many different injured tissues.
Topics: Dental Pulp; Humans; Mesenchymal Stem Cells; Neurodegenerative Diseases; Regenerative Medicine; Secretome; Stem Cells
PubMed: 34769446
DOI: 10.3390/ijms222112018 -
Journal of Oral Rehabilitation Apr 2017Throughout lifetime, the teeth are continuously exposed to numerous chemical and physical impacts, which cause the wear of the dental hard tissues, gingival recession... (Review)
Review
Throughout lifetime, the teeth are continuously exposed to numerous chemical and physical impacts, which cause the wear of the dental hard tissues, gingival recession and other oral changes with sometimes subsequent problems. Age-related wear of tooth surfaces reduces the dental enamel thickness and exposes deeper layers of enamel, which have different physical and chemical properties than the surface enamel. Gingival recession is the main causal factor of root caries and dentine hypersensitivity. Age-related changes in dentine include the formation of secondary dentine and the reduction in tubular lumen diameter (dentine sclerosis), which lead to a reduction in the volume of the pulp chamber. In addition to the reduction in the volume of pulp chamber, changes to the dental pulp also include dental pulp calcifications. The age-related physiological changes to the teeth should be carefully distinguished from pathological changes, especially when they induce pain or a negative impact on the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of the older individuals. Therefore, regular oral examinations coupled with early preventive measures should aim at maintaining oral health until old age.
Topics: Aging; Dental Enamel; Dental Pulp; Dental Pulp Calcification; Dental Pulp Exposure; Dentin Sensitivity; Gingival Recession; Humans; Tooth
PubMed: 28032898
DOI: 10.1111/joor.12474 -
Journal of Endodontics Jul 2017Similar to other tissues, the dental pulp mounts an inflammatory reaction as a way to eliminate pathogens and stimulate repair. Pulp inflammation is prerequisite for... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Similar to other tissues, the dental pulp mounts an inflammatory reaction as a way to eliminate pathogens and stimulate repair. Pulp inflammation is prerequisite for dentin pulp complex repair and regeneration; otherwise, chronic disease or pulp necrosis occurs. Evaluation of pulp inflammation severity is necessary to predict the clinical success of maintaining pulp vitality. Clinical limitations to evaluating in situ inflammatory status are well-described. A molecular approach that aids clinical distinction between reversible and irreversible pulpitis could improve the success rate of vital pulp therapy. The aim of this article is to review inflammatory mediator expression in the context of clinical diagnosis.
METHODS
We searched PubMed and Cochrane databases for articles published between 1970 and December 2016. Only published studies of inflammatory mediator expression related to clinical diagnosis were eligible for inclusion and analysis.
RESULTS
Thirty-two articles were analyzed. Two molecular approaches were described by study methods, protein expression analysis and gene expression analysis. Our review indicates that interleukin-8, matrix metalloproteinase 9, tumor necrosis factor-α, and receptor for advanced glycation end products expression increase at both the gene and protein levels during inflammation.
CONCLUSIONS
Clinical irreversible pulpitis is related to specific levels of inflammatory mediator expression. The difference in expression between reversible and irreversible disease is both quantitative and qualitative. On the basis of our analysis, in situ quantification of inflammatory mediators may aid in the clinical distinction between reversible and irreversible pulpitis.
Topics: Biomarkers; Dental Pulp; Humans; Pulpitis
PubMed: 28527838
DOI: 10.1016/j.joen.2017.02.009 -
Journal of Tissue Engineering and... Jan 2019More than two thirds of the global population suffers from tooth decay, which results in cavities with various levels of lesion severity. Clinical interventions to treat... (Review)
Review
More than two thirds of the global population suffers from tooth decay, which results in cavities with various levels of lesion severity. Clinical interventions to treat tooth decay range from simple coronal fillings to invasive root canal treatment. Pulp capping is the only available clinical option to maintain the pulp vitality in deep lesions, but irreversible pulp inflammation and reinfection are frequent outcomes for this treatment. When affected pulp involvement is beyond repair, the dentist has to perform endodontic therapy leaving the tooth non-vital and brittle. On-going research strategies have failed to overcome the limitations of existing pulp capping materials so that healthy and progressive regeneration of the injured tissues is attained. Preserving pulp vitality is crucial for tooth homeostasis and durability, and thus, there is a critical need for clinical interventions that enable regeneration of the dentin-pulp complex to rescue millions of teeth annually. The identification and development of appropriate biomaterials for dentin-pulp scaffolds are necessary to optimize clinical approaches to regenerate these hybrid dental tissues. Likewise, a deep understanding of the interactions between the micro-environment, growth factors, and progenitor cells will provide design basis for the most fitting scaffolds for this purpose. In this review, we first introduce the long-lasting clinical dental problem of rescuing diseased tooth vitality, the limitations of current clinical therapies and interventions to restore the damaged tissues, and the need for new strategies to fully revitalize the tooth. Then, we comprehensively report on the characteristics of the main materials of naturally-derived and synthetically-engineered polymers, ceramics, and composite scaffolds as well as their use in dentin-pulp complex regeneration strategies. Finally, we present a series of innovative smart polymeric biomaterials with potential to overcome dentin-pulp complex regeneration challenges.
Topics: Animals; Dental Pulp; Dentin; Humans; Regeneration; Stem Cells; Tissue Engineering; Tissue Scaffolds
PubMed: 30376696
DOI: 10.1002/term.2769 -
Stem Cell Research & Therapy Mar 2017Experiments have previously demonstrated the therapeutic potential of mobilized dental pulp stem cells (MDPSCs) for complete pulp regeneration. The aim of the present...
BACKGROUND
Experiments have previously demonstrated the therapeutic potential of mobilized dental pulp stem cells (MDPSCs) for complete pulp regeneration. The aim of the present pilot clinical study is to assess the safety, potential efficacy, and feasibility of autologous transplantation of MDPSCs in pulpectomized teeth.
METHODS
Five patients with irreversible pulpitis were enrolled and monitored for up to 24 weeks following MDPSC transplantation. The MDPSCs were isolated from discarded teeth and expanded based on good manufacturing practice (GMP). The quality of the MDPSCs at passages 9 or 10 was ascertained by karyotype analyses. The MDPSCs were transplanted with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) in atelocollagen into pulpectomized teeth.
RESULTS
The clinical and laboratory evaluations demonstrated no adverse events or toxicity. The electric pulp test (EPT) of the pulp at 4 weeks demonstrated a robust positive response. The signal intensity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the regenerated tissue in the root canal after 24 weeks was similar to that of normal dental pulp in the untreated control. Finally, cone beam computed tomography demonstrated functional dentin formation in three of the five patients.
CONCLUSIONS
Human MDPSCs are safe and efficacious for complete pulp regeneration in humans in this pilot clinical study.
Topics: Adult; Cell Differentiation; Cell Proliferation; Dental Pulp; Female; Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Pulpitis; Regeneration; Stem Cell Transplantation; Stem Cells; Tooth
PubMed: 28279187
DOI: 10.1186/s13287-017-0506-5 -
Australian Endodontic Journal : the... Dec 2023Tooth decay, which leads to pulpal inflammation due to the pulp's response to bacterial components and byproducts is the most common infectious disease. The main goals... (Review)
Review
Tooth decay, which leads to pulpal inflammation due to the pulp's response to bacterial components and byproducts is the most common infectious disease. The main goals of clinical management are to eliminate sources of infection, to facilitate healing by regulating inflammation indental tissue, and to replace lost tissues. A variety of novel approaches from tissue engineering based on stem cells, bioactive molecules, and extracellular matrix-like scaffold structures to therapeutic applications, or a combination of all these are present in the literature. Shortcomings of existing conventional materials for pulp capping and the novel approches aiming to preserve pulp vitality highligted the need for developing new targeted dental materials. This review looks at the novel approches for vital pulp treatments after briefly addresing the conventional vital pulp treatment as well as the regenerative and self defense capabilities of the pulp. A narrative review focusing on the current and future approaches for pulp preservation was performed after surveying the relevant papers on vital pulp therapies including pulp capping, pulpotomy, and potential approaches for facilitating dentin-pulp complex regeneration in PubMed, Medline, and Scopus databases.
Topics: Humans; Dental Pulp; Wound Healing; Pulpotomy; Tissue Engineering; Dental Pulp Capping; Inflammation
PubMed: 37515353
DOI: 10.1111/aej.12772 -
Journal of Endodontics Aug 2022Dental pulp fibroblasts (DPFs) are the most abundant cell type in the dental pulp. They play pivotal roles; however, they are often mistaken to be involved only in the... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Dental pulp fibroblasts (DPFs) are the most abundant cell type in the dental pulp. They play pivotal roles; however, they are often mistaken to be involved only in the repair and maintenance of this connective tissue.
METHODS
We used the search terms "pulp fibroblast," "complement system proteins," "pulp inflammation," "angiogenesis," and "dentin pulp regeneration" to identify articles from the PubMed and Scopus databases.
RESULTS
These sentinel cells produce all complement system proteins participating in defense processes, control of inflammation, and dentin-pulp regeneration; produce several proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines and express pattern-recognition receptors, demonstrating their involvement in immunoregulatory mechanisms; express neuropeptides and their receptors, playing an important role in neurogenic inflammation and dental pulp wound healing; secrete angiogenic growth factors as well as neurotrophic proteins, essential for dentin-pulp regeneration; regulate neuronal plasticity processes; and can sense the external environment.
CONCLUSIONS
This review highlights that DPFs are more than mere passive cells in pulp biology and presents an integrative analysis of their roles and functions.
Topics: Complement System Proteins; Dental Pulp; Dentin; Fibroblasts; Humans; Inflammation; Regeneration
PubMed: 35577145
DOI: 10.1016/j.joen.2022.05.004 -
British Dental Journal Mar 2022Thermal and electric pulp sensibility tests are commonly used by the majority of clinicians when diagnosing endodontic disease. These tests indirectly determine the... (Review)
Review
Thermal and electric pulp sensibility tests are commonly used by the majority of clinicians when diagnosing endodontic disease. These tests indirectly determine the state of pulpal health by assessing the response of the Aδ nerve fibres within the pulp-dentine complex. A positive response to sensibility testing indicates that the nerve fibres are functioning but does not give any quantitative information on nerve function, pulpal blood flow or histological status of the dental pulp. These tests have inherent limitations, including a reliance on a patient's subjective response to the test and the dentist's interpretation of the patient's response. This two-part series aims to help clinicians to reach an accurate endodontic diagnosis by providing an overview of how to undertake common pulpal sensibility tests correctly, how to interpret their results and understand their limitations. This section provides an overview of pulp testing, definitions of terminology relevant to pulp testing, the diagnostic uses of pulp testing and a summary of the diagnostic accuracy of different pulp tests.
Topics: Data Collection; Dental Pulp; Dental Pulp Diseases; Humans
PubMed: 35277620
DOI: 10.1038/s41415-022-3988-1 -
Folia Morphologica 2018Endodontium, otherwise referred to as pulp-dentin complex or endodont. This term includes two tooth tissues: dentin and pulp, which constitute a structural and... (Review)
Review
Endodontium, otherwise referred to as pulp-dentin complex or endodont. This term includes two tooth tissues: dentin and pulp, which constitute a structural and functional unity. These tissues have a huge, inseparable influence on each other - the pulp (inter alia) nourishes the dentine, while the dentin forms a protective barrier for the pulp. They develop from the papillary tissue (Latin: papilladentis) from mesenchymal tissue. Nevertheless, in clinical practice this structural-functional complex is often treated as two separate tissues, and not as a whole. Adequate knowledge of the structure, function and protective mechanisms of the endodontium produces successful results in the treatment. The appropriate choice and application of the therapeutic methods and materials to the dentin secures vitality of both tissues of this complex.
Topics: Animals; Dental Pulp; Dentin; Humans
PubMed: 29345716
DOI: 10.5603/FM.a2018.0008