Stem Cells and Periodontal Regeneration: Current Concepts, Biological Basis, and Clinical Perspectives

AbstractPeriodontal disease leads to irreversible destruction of the supporting structures of teeth, including alveolar bone, periodontal ligament, and cementum. Conventional periodontal therapies primarily aim at disease control rather than complete tissue regeneration.Advances in stem cell biology and tissue engineering have introduced novel regenerative approaches targeting true periodontal regeneration. Dental- and non-dental–derived stem cells exhibit self renewal, multilineage differentiation, and immunomodulatory properties that make them promising candidates for periodontal tissue regeneration. This review summarizes the biological basis of stem cells, their sources, classification, mechanisms of action, and current evidence supporting their role in periodontal regeneration, while highlighting challenges and future prospects.