Application and Development of Biomaterials in Dental Pulp Regeneration

Dental pulp regeneration aims to restore the structure and function of injured pulp tissue by using biomaterials to establish a supportive regenerative microenvironment. This review evaluates the design requirements, applications, mechanisms, and limitations of biomaterials used for dental pulp regeneration. Key requirements include biocompatibility, interconnected porosity, controlled degradation, structural integrity, and injectability. Natural polymers such as collagen; synthetic polymers such as poly(lactic acid) (PLA), poly(glycolic acid) (PGA), and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA); hydrogels; and composite materials offer distinct biological and physical properties. These materials may influence cell adhesion, proliferation, migration, odontogenic differentiation, mineralization, and vascularization. However, these outcomes alone do not establish complete functional pulp regeneration, and no single material has been shown to consistently satisfy all regenerative requirements. Multifunctional and patient-adapted materials may better accommodate the anatomical complexity of the root canal while supporting reconstruction of the pulp–dentin complex. This review aims to critically assess current biomaterial strategies and identify the principal challenges and future directions for their clinical translation.