The comprehensive progress of tooth regeneration from the tooth development to tissue engineering and clinical application.

Abstract

The advancement of tooth regeneration has offered revolutionary progress in the treatment of tooth defects and tooth loss, particularly in whole-tooth regeneration, pulp-dentin regeneration, and enamel regeneration. This review comprehensively analyzes the latest research progress in the biological foundations of tooth regeneration, stem cell applications, and tissue engineering technologies while discussing the prospects for clinical translation of these technologies. At present, pulp-dentin regeneration technology has entered clinical trials and demonstrated preliminary efficacy; however, the maturity and controllability of this technology require further enhancement. In situ whole-tooth regeneration has been achieved in animal models but still confronts ethical and functional challenges. Although the development of new materials has provided novel strategies for the epitaxial growth of enamel, enamel regeneration remains in its early stages. Tissue engineering technologies offer new avenues for tooth regeneration but still need to address issues such as immune rejection and long-term stability to realize the clinical application of tooth regeneration technologies.