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SCs Based Approaches in Dentistry

Stem cell-based approaches show promise for regenerating dental tissues damaged by trauma, disease, or decay. Dental pulp stem cells and periodontal ligament stem cells can be isolated from teeth and expanded in vitro while maintaining stemness. Preclinical studies in small and large animals demonstrate the ability of these dental stem cells to promote pulp and periodontal regeneration, but challenges remain around stem cell quality control, delivery methods, and integration of regenerated tissues. The use of biomaterial scaffolds and stem cells may provide an alternative to traditional dental treatments and implants by enabling biological repair of injured teeth.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
45 views10 pages

SCs Based Approaches in Dentistry

Stem cell-based approaches show promise for regenerating dental tissues damaged by trauma, disease, or decay. Dental pulp stem cells and periodontal ligament stem cells can be isolated from teeth and expanded in vitro while maintaining stemness. Preclinical studies in small and large animals demonstrate the ability of these dental stem cells to promote pulp and periodontal regeneration, but challenges remain around stem cell quality control, delivery methods, and integration of regenerated tissues. The use of biomaterial scaffolds and stem cells may provide an alternative to traditional dental treatments and implants by enabling biological repair of injured teeth.

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European Cellsetand

TA Mitsiadis al. Materials Vol. 30 2015 (pages 248-257) DOI: 10.22203/eCM.v030a17 ISSN
Stem cells for dental 1473-2262
clinical use

STEM CELL-BASED APPROACHES IN DENTISTRY

T.A. Mitsiadis1*, G. Orsini2 and L. Jimenez-Rojo1


1
Orofacial Development and Regeneration, Institute of Oral Biology, Centre for Dental Medicine, Medical Faculty,
University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
2
Department of Clinical Sciences and Stomatology, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy

Abstract Introduction

Repair of dental pulp and periodontal lesions remains The tooth is composed of the highly mineralised tissues
a major clinical challenge. Classical dental treatments of enamel, dentin and cementum, as well as by the soft
require the use of specialised tissue-adapted materials with connective tissues of dental pulp and periodontium
still questionable efficacy and durability. Stem cell-based (Mitsiadis and Graf, 2009; Nanci, 2012). Enamel is
therapeutic approaches could offer an attractive alternative formed by the epithelium-derived ameloblasts, while
in dentistry since they can promise physiologically ectomesenchymal cells give rise to all other tooth
improved structural and functional outcomes. These components. Dental pulp cells differentiating into
therapies necessitate a sufficient number of specific stem odontoblasts produce the dentin matrix, while periodontal
cell populations for implantation. Dental mesenchymal cells are involved in cementum and alveolar bone
stem cells can be easily isolated and are amenable to in formation. The periodontal space contains specific fibres
vitro expansion while retaining their stemness. In vivo (i.e., periodontal ligament fibres) that stabilise teeth, since
studies realised in small and large animals have evidenced they connect root cementum to the alveolar bone, as well as
the potential of dental mesenchymal stem cells to promote a variety of cell types such as fibroblasts, epithelial rests of
pulp and periodontal regeneration, but have also underlined Malassez, neuronal and endothelial cells (Mariotti, 1993;
new important challenges. The homogeneity of stem cell Sonoyama et al., 2007).
populations and their quality control, the delivery method, Traumatic injuries, periodontal disease and caries are
the quality of the regenerated dental tissues and their mainly responsible for pathologies affecting teeth and their
integration to the host tissue are some of the key challenges. surrounding tissues (Caton et al., 2011). These pathologies
The use of bioactive scaffolds that can elicit effective tissue remain a major clinical challenge, due mainly to the limited
repair response, through activation and mobilisation of self-healing capability of dental tissues. The reparative
endogenous stem cell populations, constitutes another mechanisms following dental or periodontal lesion involve
emerging therapeutic strategy. Finally, the use of stem cells highly conserved genetic programs that are active during
and induced pluripotent cells for the regeneration of entire embryonic tooth development (Aberg et al., 1997; About
teeth represents a novel promising alternative to dental and Mitsiadis, 2001; Giannobile and Somerman, 2003; Jin
implant treatment after tooth loss. In this mini-review, et al., 2004; Magloire et al., 2001; Mitsiadis and Rahiotis,
we present the currently applied techniques in restorative 2004; Ripamonti, 2007). For example, in severe dental pulp
dentistry and the various attempts that are made to bridge injury or inflammation (i.e., pulpitis), stem cells or/and
gaps in knowledge regarding treatment strategies by progenitors give rise to a new generation of odontoblasts
translating basic stem cell research into the dental practice. that replace the disintegrated odontoblasts. Signalling
molecules released at the pathologic sites may attract
these stem cells and progenitors, thus initiating the healing
Keywords: tooth, dental stem cells, mesenchymal stem process that includes the reparative dentin formation
cells, induced pluripotent cells, tooth regeneration, (Nakashima and Iohara, 2014). However, the reparative
regenerative dentistry, clinical trials. capability of the dental pulp and periodontium is often
insufficient to restore the totality of the damaged tissues.
If untreated, these lesions compromise tooth integrity that
can lead to more severe pathologies and tooth loss.
The increased knowledge on the reparative events within
dental tissues has contributed to the proposal of alternative
methods for the treatment of dental pathologies. However,
traditional treatments continue to be applied in dental
clinics since most of the proposed therapeutic approaches
*Address for correspondence: are still at the experimental level. For example, partial
Thimios Mitsiadis, DDS, PhD dental tissue repair techniques involve specialised dental
University of Zurich, Faculty of Medicine, Orofacial materials with uncertain effectiveness and durability, while
Development and Regeneration, high-tech dental implants are used for tooth replacement
Institute of Oral Biology, ZZM, (Esposito et al., 2013; Fron Chabouis et al., 2013). These
Plattenstrasse 11, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland materials are often used in conjunction with growth factors
Telephone number: +41 4463 43390 and molecules to enhance the regenerative capacity of
Fax number: +41 4463 44310 dental and periodontal tissues (Pilipchuk et al., 2015).
E-mail: [email protected] Recent advances in tissue engineering and regenerative

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TA Mitsiadis et al. Stem cells for dental clinical use

medicine offer the potential for a long-term solution by specific scaffolds are able to generate adequate amounts
means of biological repair or replacement of damaged of bone in order to achieve primary implant stability
teeth. The aim of this mini-review is to present the currently (Kitamura et al., 2011; Windisch et al., 2012). These
applied tissue repair techniques and their limitations in new approaches are contributing to the progress of dental
restorative dentistry and to introduce stem cell-based treatments, but should be further studied using controlled
approaches as promising tools for the regeneration of randomised clinical trials.
injured and pathological teeth. Therefore, the different
sources of dental stem cells, their differentiation potential
and the current state of stem cell-based strategies for dental Stem cells within teeth
tissue regeneration are discussed. From a translational point
of view, we summarise the various preclinical models used The theoretical basis for dental tissue repair is the
for the evaluation of stem cell-based therapies in dentistry activation of stem and progenitor cells that will enhance
and report on the recent developments and challenges the regenerative process (Bluteau et al., 2008; Caton et al.,
related to clinical applications of human stem cells in 2011). Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were originally
situations that necessitate pulp and periodontal tissue isolated from bone marrow (Friedenstein et al., 1970).
regeneration. MSCs are fibroblast-like cells capable of adhering to
plastic dishes, to form colonies derived from single cells
(colony forming unit fibroblasts), and to differentiate into
Current therapeutic interventions in dentistry mature cells of mesenchymal lineages such as osteoblasts
and chondrocytes (Caplan and Bruder, 2001; Friedenstein
Contemporary techniques to replace damaged dental hard et al., 1970; Pittenger et al., 1999; Prockop, 1997; Sudo
tissues consist of direct tooth restorations using resin-based et al., 2007; Weissman et al., 2001). The discovery that
composites, or indirect restorations using composite or human adult teeth contain cells with similar functions to
ceramic inlays and onlays (Ferracane, 2011; Fron Chabouis MSC indicated that these organs are important reservoirs
et al., 2013). While adhesion of these materials to enamel is of adult stem cell populations (Gronthos et al., 2000).
stable over time, adhesion to dentin is weaker and unstable Therefore, dental mesenchymal stem cells (DMSCs) can
because of the higher levels of organic matrix of dentin be used for regeneration of teeth, or other organs that have
when compared to enamel (Lehmann et al., 2009). limited intrinsic repair potential (Di Scipio et al., 2014;
Endodontic therapy is a procedure implying the Gandia et al., 2008; Graziano et al., 2008; Kerkis et al.,
removal of contaminated or necrotic dental tissues within 2008; Nosrat et al., 2001). Besides their capacity to give
the pulp. In case of pulp exposure or infection, the damaged rise to various cell types such as chondrocytes, osteocytes
part of the pulp has to be removed, leaving intact the and adipocytes (Bluteau et al., 2008; Gronthos et al.,
healthy part of the pulp at the tooth root level, a process 2000), DMSCs may act as cellular modulators to support
called pulpotomy (DeRosa, 2006). In selected cases, this endogenous reparative mechanisms tissue by secretion
method preserves the vitality of pulp located at the root of bioactive molecules (Choi and Reddy, 2014; van den
canal, thus allowing the accomplishment of the root growth Akker et al., 2013).
(Fuks, 2008). Traditionally, the damaged pulp is entirely Cultures of DMSCs and MSCs are indistinguishable,
replaced with inorganic materials such as gutta-percha, and at present no markers permit selective identification of
after root canal treatment (Ricketts, 2001). Since dental either cell type from culture-expanded DMSC populations
pulp provides nutrition, sensation, and defence against (Pagella et al., 2015). Likewise, it is not yet known whether
the various pathogens, devitalised teeth are subject to DMSC properties reside in distinct cell subpopulations.
various complications causing tooth fragility and fracture Similarly to MSCs, DMSCs are heterogeneous in their
(Ricketts, 2001). Therefore, maintaining of dental pulp phenotype, and this could possibly reflect a coexistence
vitality is of prime importance and this is highlighted by of functionally distinct cell subsets (Jiang et al., 2002;
the emergence of new stem cell-based techniques focusing Muraglia et al., 2000). Markers alone would not be
on pulp regeneration (Potdar and Jethmalani, 2015). sufficient to rule out the presence of other than DMSCs
Currently, missing teeth are replaced with dental within dental tissues. Studies using single cell-derived
implants (Esposito et al., 2013). Their retention requires clonal populations will be needed to determine whether
close contact of implants with the alveolar bone, a process DMSCs differentiation potency is inherent in individual
called osseointegration (Branemark et al., 1977). Most cells from dental tissues.
of dental implants are made of biocompatible titanium Despite similar phenotypic characteristics, DMSCs
alloy and they are inserted into the bone after surgical from different locations have significant functional
intervention. The clinical success of implants depends on heterogeneity both in vitro and in vivo, thus indicating
alveolar bone quality and dimensions, primary implant distinct physiological roles within teeth (Caton et al.,
stability, time of masticatory loading, infections, and 2011; Pagella et al., 2015). In the dental pulp, DMSCs
implant surface characteristics (Esposito et al., 2013; are located mainly in two niches: the apical niche and
Esposito et al., 2007). Recent regenerative technologies the perivascular niche (Mitsiadis et al., 2011; Zhao et al.,
using scaffolds, stem cells, and growth factor delivery have 2014). In these two niches, DMSCs could have distinct
enhanced host tissue response and implant osseointegration functions and still be geographically interchangeable, but
(Naddeo et al., 2015; Pilipchuk et al., 2015). Recent a temporo-spatial hierarchy between the two DMSC niches
clinical trials have demonstrated that stem cells seeded in remains to be investigated. Furthermore, the identification

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TA Mitsiadis et al. Stem cells for dental clinical use

Fig. 1. Schematic representation of the main populations of mesenchymal stem cells found
in human teeth. Abbreviations: DPSCs, dental pulp stem cells; PDLSCs, periodontal
ligament stem cells; SCAPs, stem cells from the apical papilla; SHEDs, stem cells from
human exfoliated deciduous teeth.

and characterisation of other dental stem cell niches, Stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth
and the examination of how niche-derived signals are (SHEDs) are isolated using the same procedure as for
orchestrated towards tooth homoeostasis and repair is of DPSCs. SHEDs express the surface molecules STRO-1 and
prime importance. CD146, and several neural and glial markers such as nestin
The developmental origins of DMSCs in adult teeth and β-III tubulin (Miura et al., 2003). SHEDs proliferate
are not known yet. They could be directly derived from very fast, are capable of differentiating into odontogenic,
dental tissues (e.g., pulp, periodontium), but a contribution osteogenic, chondrogenic, adipogenic, myogenic, and
from blood-derived circulating MSCs has not to be neurogenic cells in vitro, and induce bone and dentin
excluded. Indeed, MSCs are found in the circulation and formation in vivo (Kerkis et al., 2008; Miura et al., 2003).
are likely to engraft in all tissues of the body (Kuroda et Stem cells from the apical part of the dental papilla
al., 2014; Lemoli et al., 2006). The embryonic origins of (SCAPs) are located at the root apex of the developing
circulating MSCs are different from those of DMSCs (La teeth, are highly proliferative, and exhibit increased
Noce et al., 2014; Pagella et al., 2015), thus suggesting migratory and regenerative potentials (Sonoyama et al.,
distinct properties and functions for these two stem cell 2006; Sonoyama et al., 2008). SCAPs express the same
populations. The various dental stem cell populations and DMSCs surface markers, as well as CD24 for which
their potencies are described in Fig. 1. DPSCs are negative, and are able to form dentin in vivo
Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) were first isolated from (Huang et al., 2009; Sonoyama et al., 2006).
human teeth in 2000 and are the most common source of Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) express
DMSCs (Gronthos et al., 2000). Due to the lack of specific the cell-surface markers STRO-1, CD146 and CD44, and
DMSCs markers, generic MSC markers such as STRO-1, are able to differentiate into adipogenic and osteogenic
CD146 and CD44 are commonly used for the isolation and cells, under defined culture conditions in vitro (Seo et al.,
identification of DMSCs (Pittenger et al., 1999). DPSCs are 2004). PDLSCs can contribute to the regeneration of the
capable of differentiating into odontogenic (Gronthos et al., periodontium by giving rise to cementum and PDL tissues
2000; Hayashi et al., 2015; Miura et al., 2003), osteogenic in vivo (Seo et al., 2004). Alveolar periodontal ligament
(d’Aquino et al., 2009; de Mendonca Costa et al., 2008), stem cells (aPDLSCs) form another PDLSC population
chondrogenic (Waddington et al., 2009), adipogenic that locates close to the alveolar bone and shows great
(Gronthos et al., 2002; Waddington et al., 2009), myogenic osteogenic and adipogenic capabilities (Wang et al., 2011).
(Kerkis et al., 2008; Pisciotta et al., 2015), and neurogenic Stem cells from the dental follicle (DFSCs) are
(Martens et al., 2014; Nosrat et al., 2001) cells in vitro and progenitor cells for the PDL, alveolar bone, and cementum,
in vivo. and express the STRO-1 and CD44 markers (Morsczeck

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TA Mitsiadis et al. Stem cells for dental clinical use

et al., 2005). DFSCs are able to form cementum and bone and continued root development (Chrepa et al., 2015;
tissues in vitro and in vivo (Kemoun et al., 2007; Yokoi et Peters, 2014). Numerous attempts, using human DMSCs
al., 2006). (hDPSCs), have been made in a variety of animal models
Human dental epithelial stem cells (hDESCs) can be in order to achieve complete pulp regeneration. Proper
isolated from the third molar that develops late after birth regeneration requires re-vascularisation and re-innervation
(Honda et al., 2007; Honda et al., 2005). Another source of the pulp and allows new dentin formation (Peters, 2014).
of hDESCs is the epithelial root sheath that disintegrates The very first experimental study using hDMSCs showed
into strands of epithelial cells, also known as epithelial that these cells can differentiate into odontoblasts, which
rests of Malassez (ERM). ERM cells express epithelial form dentin-like structures when transplanted together
stem cell markers such as Bmi-1, E-CAM, and p75, as well with HA/TCP ceramic powder in immunocompromised
as embryonic stem cell markers such as Oct-4 and Nanog mice ex vivo (Gronthos et al., 2000) (Fig. 2). Other, more
(Nam et al., 2011). recent studies, using hDPSCs and SCAPs seeded on poly-
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) may represent D,L-lactide/glycol scaffolds have confirmed the ability of
another source of hDESCs. Indeed, iPSCs have the capacity human DMSCs to regenerate vascularised pulp tissues
to differentiate into various cell lineages (Takahashi and when transplanted into the empty mouse tooth root canal
Yamanaka, 2006) and can be technically produced from (Hayashi et al., 2015; Huang et al., 2010; Volponi et al.,
patient’s cells. iPSCs technology can be progressively 2010) (Fig. 2). However, these experimental attempts
applied for the regeneration of dental tissues. iPSCs using DMSCs transplantation were performed in ectopic
are able to differentiate into ameloblast-like cells in the locations and therefore, stem cell-based therapeutic
presence of ameloblastin expressing cells (Arakaki et approaches for entire pulp regeneration cannot be directly
al., 2012). Also, iPSCs are capable of differentiating into translated into the clinics. For this reason, new experimental
mesenchymal odontogenic cells (Otsu et al., 2014). strategies have been elaborated, where DMSCs or other
stem cell population, combined with scaffolds and/or
bioactive molecules, fully fill the empty pulp chamber after
Stem cell-based regenerative treatments in dentistry pulpotomy (partial pulp removal) or pulpectomy (total pulp
removal) (Iohara et al., 2011; Iohara et al., 2013; Zheng et
Although basic research into dental stem cells is well al., 2012 ; Chrepa et al., 2015; Lovelace et al., 2011) (Fig.
documented, only very recently efforts are emerging to 2). Indeed, DPSCs transplanted together with granulocyte-
bridge the gap with translational research. Regenerative colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), in pulpectomised
dentistry aims to regenerate the damaged dental tissues and teeth of dogs, were able to regenerate the entire pulp
to fully restore tooth anatomy and function. The functions and to form new dentin (Iohara et al., 2013). Similarly,
of exogenously administered dental stem cells go beyond bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) were used, a long
their differentiation potential and the replacement of cells time ago, in order to stimulate the regenerative response
lost due to injury or disease. Dental stem cells may create of the pulp. While these procedures appear to improve
a repair-conducive microenvironment, stimulating the tissue regeneration, their true effectiveness for achieving
recruitment of endogenous stem cells or progenitors at durable repair is still unclear. For example, the fibrotic
the injury site. This insinuates that accurately designed tissue that has been obtained in experiments focusing on
bioactive scaffolds could generate effective dental tissue dental pulp regeneration may not sustain a long-lasting
repair responses through activation and mobilisation of therapeutic effect. Indeed, this fibrous pulp tissue can
endogenous stem and progenitor cells, thus avoiding undergo degeneration over time or be replaced with bone.
exogenous stem cell administration (Hayashi et al., 2015; Recent regenerative endodontic procedures that have
Lee et al., 2010; Mitsiadis et al., 2012). Such innovative been successfully applied in clinics are based on the
strategies would be easier to apply clinically and likely bleeding technique, where the blood clot acts as a scaffold
to encounter fewer regulatory obstacles. This raises the that delivers MSCs into the root canal of both immature
possibility of repairing entire dental tissues through teeth with pulp necrosis and mature teeth with apical
stimulation of endogenous dental stem and progenitor cells. lesions (Chrepa et al., 2015; Deepak and Nandini, 2012;
However, several studies in other organs – exploring the Lovelace et al., 2011; Sonmez et al., 2013). However, the
possibility of repairing tissues with the exclusive usage current status of stem cell-based endodontic therapy is still
of scaffolds impregnated with chemotactic or growth characterised by an empirical approach (Peters, 2014).
factors – gave uncertain results, judging by the irregular
and fibrotic appearance of the regenerated tissue (Lee et Regeneration of periodontal tissues
al., 2010; Zhang et al., 2013). Human PDLSCs have been shown to improve
The main approaches using stem cells for the repair of periodontal tissue regeneration when transplanted into
specific dental tissue, such as the pulp and the periodontium immunocompromised mice, indicating their big potential
as well as for entire tooth regeneration, are described in for future cell-based therapies in dentistry (Seo et al.,
Fig. 2. 2004) (Fig. 2). The regenerative potential of autologous
and allogeneic PDLSCs, as well as of DPSCs, SHEDs and
Regeneration of pulp-dentin complex bone marrow stem cells for the treatment of periodontitis
Regenerative endodontics represents a new treatment has been also demonstrated in other animal models, such
modality that relies on the intracanal delivery of stem as the miniature swine and dog models (Ding et al., 2010;
cells and focuses on re-establishment of pulp vitality Du et al., 2014; Fu et al., 2014; Khorsand et al., 2013). In

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pulpotomised

Fig. 2. Schematic representation of various stem cell-based strategies used for dental pulp, periodontium, and
entire tooth regeneration. Transplantation of stem cells combined with scaffolds in the kidney or dorsal skin of
immunocompromised mice is commonly used for regenerative purposes. Abbreviations: DE, dental epithelium; DM,
dental mesenchyme; DECs, dental epithelial cells; DMCs, dental mesenchymal cells; DMSCs, dental mesenchymal
stem cells; DPSCs, dental pulp stem cells; DSCs, dental stem cells; PDLSCs, periodontal ligament stem cells; SCAPs,
stem cells from the apical papilla.

an attempt of improving stem cell-based therapies, growth et al., 2013). Another study, with a significant and stable
factors such as platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs) clinical outcome, was performed in a patient suffering
and BMPs have been used. PDGFs have been proven to from advanced periodontitis. Autologous bone marrow
stimulate periodontal regeneration (Howell et al., 1997; mononuclear cells (BMMNCs) embedded in a thermo-
Lynch et al., 1989), while BMPs enhance alveolar bone reversible gelation polymer scaffold were used successfully
and cementum formation (Selvig et al., 2002). However, for alveolar bone regeneration, which was validated by
BMPs may have undesirable effects on periodontal tissues clinical and radiographic evaluation in this three year
and provoke tooth ankylosis. Commercialised amelogenin follow-up trial (Sankaranarayanan et al., 2013).
extracts have been also used in dental clinics with success
for periodontal tissue regeneration, but their mode of action Regeneration of the entire tooth
is still unclear (Veis et al., 2000). Regeneration of the entire tooth would be the ideal
Regeneration of alveolar bone defects, caused by therapeutic approach after tooth loss. The association of
periodontal diseases, is one of the major challenges for DESCs and DMSCs in vitro allows the formation of tooth
clinicians. The first clinical trial using autologous human germs that can be transplanted into the alveolar bone,
DPSCs, combined with collagen scaffolds, for alveolar where the germs will develop, erupt, and finally become
bone reconstruction was performed successfully several functional teeth (Ikeda and Tsuji, 2008) (Fig. 2). In a
years ago (d’Aquino et al., 2009). However, a three similar assay, dental bud cells were seeded into platelet-
years follow-up study using in-line holotomography rich fibrin scaffolds for tooth regeneration in the miniature
and conventional evaluation procedures has shown that swine model (Yang et al., 2012). Another approach to
the regenerated bone at the grafted sites was entirely obtain new brand teeth is the implantation into the jaw
compact and thus completely different from the normal of tooth-shaped polymeric biodegradable scaffolds filled
spongy alveolar bone found in the mandibles (Giuliani with DESCs and DMSCs (Oshima and Tsuji, 2014) (Fig.

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TA Mitsiadis et al. Stem cells for dental clinical use

2). The three-dimensional structure of the scaffolds should Several clinical trials using autologous stem cells for pulp
drive the differentiation of the transplanted stem cells and periodontal tissue regeneration have already been
into odontoblasts and ameloblasts. Indeed, bioengineered approved and initiated, but the outcome of these studies
teeth using human stem cells have been formed, but only has not yet been communicated. For example, a clinical
in ectopic sites, to date. Furthermore, these teeth are trial sponsored by the Fourth Military Medical University
missing some essential tooth elements such as correct in China will evaluate the effects of PDLSCs in periodontal
crown morphology and accomplished root formation. tissue regeneration (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/
However, recent experiments in mice, using bioengineered NCT01357785). Similarly, another clinical trial in Japan
approaches, have showed that it is possible to obtain deals with dental pulp regeneration by transplantation of
functional teeth with entire roots (Oshima and Tsuji, autologous pulp stem cells (http://www.stemcellsaustralia.
2014). In fact, tooth germs formed by dental epithelial edu.au/About-Stem-Cells/Stem-Cell-Clinical-Trials/
and mesenchymal cells seeded into collagen drops gave Dental-treatments/Periodontitis.aspx).
rise to new functional teeth after their implantation into It is obvious that stem cell-based regenerative
the mandible of adult mice. Formation of all dental tissues approaches in dentistry are just at the beginning, but have
allows the eruption and full integration of these teeth into the potential to benefit millions of patients worldwide.
the recipient alveolar bone. Other emerging technologies, such as nanotechnology,
Recent studies have shown that re-aggregation of imaging systems and mathematical modelling should be
iPSCs-derived neural crest cells and mouse odontogenic incorporated in the stem cell research field in order to
epithelial tissues results to the generation of entire teeth obtain faster, reliable and qualitative advancements and
ex vivo (Otsu et al., 2014). Although further technical outcomes in dental clinics.
improvements may be needed, the iPSCs technology is
expected to open new horizons in regenerative dentistry.
However, such results have not yet been obtained Acknowledgments
with human cells. Various populations of human DMSCs
are still under investigation, while human DESCs have This work was supported by funds of the University of
not been fully studied. Moreover, time represents a great Zurich (TM and LJR) and the Polytechnic University of
challenge for tooth regeneration: the whole process of Marche (GO). The authors contributed to the planning,
odontogenesis in humans takes more than 7 years. This writing, critical reading, and editing of the manuscript.
long-term physiological procedure may be discouraging for The authors confirm that there are no conflicts of interest
individuals missing teeth and look forward to immediate associated with this work.
treatment outcomes.

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Zhang W, Chen J, Tao J, Jiang Y, Hu C, Huang L, Ji J, stem cells in dentistry is available, the approaches may be
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682. 4. Necessity of post-operative follow up
5. Cost of the treatment
6. Specialised manufactures (industrialisation) for covering
Discussion with Reviewer large-scale treatment for all individuals

Jean Christophe Farges: What might be the most


important hurdles and limits of regenerative endodontics
in the future?
Authors: As in every dental speciality, since no generally Editor’s Note: Scientific Editor in charge of the paper:
accepted standardised protocol concerning therapies using Juerg Gasser.

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