Basics of dentin-pulp tissue engineering

Regeneration is reconstruction of a tissue with the shape and function of the original tissue including vascularization and innervations. Highly degradation of dentin-pulp complex can not be reversed by its own repair mechanisms. For decades, endodontic treatments including pulpectomy and preparation of root canals have been the first choice for these cases. However, root canal treatment method has some unsatisfying consequences like; esthetic problems as a conclusion of discoloration caused by endodontic filling materials, undermined integrity of tooth structure, postoperative fractures, coronal leakage or periapical microleakage, lost sense of environmental changes which can make the recurrent caries or apical infection unnoticeable for patient and shortened lifetime in comparison with vital teeth. Currently regeneration of dentin-pulp complex by tissue engineering approach is thought to be a more appropriate choice instead of root canal treatment according to these outcomes. In this review, we will discuss basic components as stem cells, signaling molecules and scaffolds and also methods used for dentin-pulp tissue engineering.