Teeth Tissue Engineering: a Study on Seed Cells, Scaffold Materials, and Growth Factors

Tooth defects can cause severe pain, infection, and impaired daily functions, significantly affecting the quality of life for patients. Although traditional root canal treatment can prolong the lifespan of a damaged tooth, it cannot fully restore the biological activity and tissue integrity of the teeth. Dental tissue engineering, as a cutting-edge regenerative medical strategy, is of great significance for restoring the natural structure and function of teeth. It aims to achieve the regeneration and repair of dental hard and soft tissues through interdisciplinary approaches. It comprises three key elements: seed cells, scaffold materials, and growth factors. This article reviews the current developments in this field, systematically elaborating on the differentiation potential of seed cells in dental regeneration. It evaluates the performance of various scaffold materials in supporting cell adhesion, proliferation, and mineralization. It introduces the crucial role of growth factors in inducing seed cells to differentiate into cementoblasts and osteoblasts. This article aims to promote the translation of dental tissue engineering into clinical practice, providing a more effective treatment plan for patients with tooth defects.