Stem cell transplantation and its possibilities in endodontics

Abstract

Introduction: Maintaining the vitality of teeth is essential to ensure oral health and overall well-being. A vital tooth is one that retains its capacity for nutrition, sensitivity and self-repair, thanks to the presence of a healthy dental pulp inside. However, if this function is compromised by deep cavities, trauma, or infections, it is crucial to intervene with dental restorations to prevent irreversible loss. Preserving the health of the tooth is essential for maintaining the bone structure and stability of the dental arch, as well as preventing future complications such as serious infections, abscesses, and even tooth loss. In this context, stem cell transplantation emerges as a promising option to revitalize damaged pulp tissues, due to its unique ability to differentiate into several cell types, bringing a great potential for tissue repair and regeneration. Objective: Therefore, this study aims to analyze the possibilities and applications of stem cell transplantation in endodontics, in order to highlight its specific indications, procedures involved and the resulting benefits for patients suffering from a pulp condition. Methodology: This is an exploratory bibliographic research, of a descriptive nature, developed from articles contained in the PubMed/Medline, Virtual Health Library (VHL) and SciELO databases. The search for articles was carried out using the descriptors "Mesenchymal stem cell transplants", "Regenerative endodontics" and "Dental pulp diseases". Original articles, literature reviews, and case reports in Portuguese, English, and Spanish were included. Duplicate articles that were not the central theme of the research were discarded. Results: Stem cells can be classified as embryonic or adult, which reside in some tissues of the body, including the pulp. These cells can be isolated from permanent teeth (DPSCs) or deciduous teeth (SHEDs) and used in the restorative treatment of teeth with loss of pulp vitality. Conclusion: It is essential to conduct studies to improve isolation, cultivation and transplanting techniques, as well as to evaluate the safety and efficacy of these procedures in the long term. In addition, it is necessary to take into account regulatory and ethical issues.

Keywords: Mesenchymal stem cell transplants; Regenerative endodontics; Diseases of the dental pulp.