Stem Cells from the Apical Papilla (SCAPs): Past, Present, Prospects, and Challenges

Dental diseases occurring on young permanent teeth usually lead to the premature arrest of tooth root development. Sustained tooth root elongation is necessary to achieve the goal of long-term preservation of affected teeth. To this end, stem cell-based regenerative endodontic treatment has been regarded as one of the most promising strategies for treating young permanent teeth with pulp and periapical infections. Endogenous stem cells residing in the apical papilla, named stem cells from the apical papilla (SCAPs), have been intensively investigated due to their critical roles in pulp regeneration and root redevelopment. The present review summarizes advances in the field of SCAPs studies and discusses the challenges that need to be further addressed.

Automated summary

Dental diseases can cause premature tooth root development arrest in young permanent teeth, and sustained root elongation is crucial for long-term preservation. Stem cell-based regenerative endodontic treatment using stem cells from the apical papilla (SCAPs) has emerged as a promising strategy for treating pulp and periapical infections in young permanent teeth. This review summarizes the advances in SCAPs studies and discusses the challenges that still need to be addressed.