The Effectiveness and Safety of Stem Cell-Based Tissue Engineering in the Regeneration of Periodontal Bone Lesions: A Systematic Review

Background/Objectives: Periodontal diseases are highly prevalent worldwide, causing progressive destruction of the alveolar bone and eventual tooth loss when not treated. Despite advances in conventional periodontal therapies, complete tissue regeneration remains limited. This review aims to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and clinical relevance of stem cell-based tissue engineering approaches for regeneration of periodontal bone lesions. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search was conducted across multiple databases, resulting in the inclusion of 17 studies in humans that met predefined PICO criteria. The study protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD420251229271). These studies assessed various stem cell sources, including dental and bone marrow-derived cells among others, both on their own and in combination with scaffolds or growth factors. Results: Most studies reported favorable outcomes in terms of clinical attachment gain, radiographic bone fill, probing depth reduction, and implant stability. No major adverse effects were noted, indicating good safety. However, results varied based on cell type, culture protocols, and defect characteristics. Conclusions: Stem cell therapy shows strong potential for periodontal regeneration, with outcomes that may potentially surpass those of conventional methods in selected cases. Further standardization, cost reduction, and long-term clinical trials are essential to confirm these findings and support their integration into daily dental practice.