MSCs and Innovative Injectable Biomaterials in Dentistry

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of innovative strategies in the field of oral cavity regeneration. In particular, the benefits of using injectable biomaterials in dentistry, especially for their restorative and regenerative applications are reported. Here also a detailed analysis of several experimental models for teeth regeneration is carried out. Over the past decade, recent findings in stem cell biology and tissue engineering suggest novel approaches for the regeneration of dental tissues or entire new teeth. Stem cells have the potential to self-renew and to give rise to a variety of cell types that ensure tissue regeneration. This chapter provides the various stem cell-based treatment strategies that could be translated in dental practice. The clinical translation of stem-cell-based oral cavity regeneration requires the use of injectable scaffolds that are able to reproduce dental pulp-like microenvironment in order to make odontoblast precursors capable of generating new tubular dentin. In this context, a considerable attention has been given to sol-gel process a new strategy of manufacturing composite biomaterials useful in periodontology and in oral and maxillofacial surgery. For example, nano-hydroxyapatite (the main constituent of the mineral part of teeth) obtained by using sol-gel process showed significant improvements in its mechanical and biological properties. Recent studies demonstrated that the sol-gel process confers distinctive features to composite materials for teeth repair, thus contributing to a more efficient replacement of oral cavity bone tissue.