Cell Therapy for Periodontal, Soft-Tissue, and Craniofacial Regeneration.

Abstract

Periodontal and craniofacial regeneration presents significant challenges owing to the complex tissue architecture, inadequate vascularization, and diminished stem cell populations within damaged tissues. Traditionally, autologous bone grafts or alternative bone substitute materials have been employed to address these conditions; however, these approaches are constrained by donor site morbidity, limited availability, and suboptimal regenerative efficacy. The advancement of mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (MSC) biology has accelerated the development of cell-based therapies in modern dentistry, which now focuses on biologically driven approaches to regenerate tissues. MSC-based therapies currently under investigation, both preclinically and clinically, show promise for improving tissue integration and healing processes of both soft and hard tissues, attributable to their multipotent nature, immunomodulatory properties, and paracrine signaling capabilities. Nevertheless, obstacles persist, including inconsistent standardization, limited scalability, regulatory hurdles, a paucity of controlled studies, and restricted biomaterial options. This review evaluates MSC-based treatments for periodontal and craniofacial reconstruction by discussing recent research findings and existing obstacles. This review also examines future prospects, such as advanced biofabrication methods, including 3D printing and bioprinting, which have the potential to improve personalized cell therapy for periodontal and craniofacial regeneration.