3D Bioprinting Approaches for Dental Pulp Regeneration: A Scoping Review.

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting has emerged as a promising strategy for engineering biomimetic constructs capable of supporting regeneration of the dental pulp-dentin complex. However, the rapidly expanding literature is methodologically heterogeneous and difficult to synthesize. This scoping review aimed to map the current evidence on cell-laden 3D bioprinting approaches relevant to dental pulp regeneration, focusing on bioink composition, cellular components, printing modalities, experimental models, and reported regenerative outcomes. The review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and was reported according to the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews. Electronic searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus from database inception to December 2025. Following screening of 143 records and assessment of 23 full-text articles, 13 studies met the inclusion criteria. All included studies were preclinical investigations published between 2018 and 2026. Extrusion-based bioprinting was the most frequently used modality, followed by digital light processing systems. Gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) was the predominant bioink base and was commonly combined with collagen, hyaluronic acid, fibrin, or dentin-derived extracellular matrix components. Human dental pulp stem cells were the most frequently used cell source, often cocultured with endothelial cells to promote vascularization. Most studies evaluated cell viability, printability, and odontogenic differentiation, whereas angiogenic outcomes were less consistently assessed, and neurogenic outcomes were rarely investigated. Overall, cell-laden 3D bioprinted constructs demonstrate promising feasibility for supporting early regenerative processes relevant to dental pulp regeneration. However, substantial heterogeneity in bioink formulations, experimental models, and outcome reporting currently limits cross-study comparison and translational interpretation. Greater standardization of experimental reporting and the use of anatomically relevant models will be essential to advance the clinical translation of bioprinted constructs for regenerative endodontics.Impact Statement3D bioprinting enables spatially controlled deposition of cells and biomaterials, providing a promising strategy for engineering biomimetic constructs capable of regenerating the dental pulp-dentin complex. This scoping review synthesizes current preclinical evidence on cell-laden bioprinting approaches for dental pulp regeneration, including bioink formulations, cellular components, printing modalities, and experimental models. By mapping the existing evidence and identifying key gaps in vascularization strategies, neurogenic outcomes, and model relevance, this review highlights critical priorities for future research and provides a framework to guide the development and translational advancement of bioprinted constructs for regenerative endodontic therapies.