Stem Cells From Dental Pulp, Periodontal Tissues, and Other Oral Sources: Biological Concepts and Regenerative Potential.

The dental pulp and the periodontal tissues are crucial for maintaining oral health through supporting the structure, function, and integrity of teeth and surrounding tissues. The potential to regenerate these tissues (in case of their damage) represents a significant advancement in dental medicine. A functional regeneration could profoundly impact the quality of life for individuals with dental and periodontal diseases through offering new solutions to tissue loss and dental functional impairment, beyond what conventional dental therapies would provide. Studies on tissue engineering-based dentin-pulpal and periodontal regeneration have demonstrated promising results, using mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) from sources like bone marrow, adipose tissue, and cord blood. Nevertheless, MSCs derived directly from dental and periodontal tissues exhibit unique biological properties, with the potential to specifically address dental and periodontal regeneration, holding distinctive regenerative and immunomodulatory properties that may allow them to become valuable tools in clinical regenerative procedures. Their use in therapies could greatly benefit patients with oral and periodontal diseases, potentially enhancing life quality. Despite these promising findings, the distinct regenerative capacity of these cells, their mechanisms, and their potential clinical translational applications remain not fully elucidated. This review article aims to consolidate current knowledge about the biological characteristics and regenerative capabilities of dental and periodontal MSCs. By exploring the biology, isolation, and functional capacities of these cells, this work seeks to offer a deeper understanding of their potential and limitations, guiding future research and clinical strategies.