Regenerative Potential of Dental Stem Cells in Dentistry: From Biochemical Mechanisms to Clinical Applications

The growing interest in dental stem cells reflects the rapid development of regenerative dentistry and their potential role in restoring tissues of the dentofacial system. Experimental and clinical studies indicate that these cells may contribute to the regeneration of dental and periodontal tissues; however, the translation of such technologies into routine clinical practice remains limited by biological, technological, and regulatory challenges. The aim of the study is to summarize and critically analyze current data on the biological and regenerative properties of dental stem cells, their clinical application in endodontics, periodontology and implantology, as well as to identify the main limitations and prospects of cell-free and bioengineered approaches in dentistry. The literature review was performed by searching the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases using relevant keywords and MeSH terms. Recent experimental and clinical studies as well as systematic reviews were included in the analysis. The analysis shows that dental stem cells exhibit high proliferative potential, multipotent differentiation, and immunomodulatory properties. Their therapeutic effects are largely mediated through paracrine mechanisms that regulate the inflammatory microenvironment, stimulate angiogenesis, and activate resident tissue cells. In periodontology, stem cell–based approaches demonstrate potential for restoring periodontal structures such as alveolar bone, cementum, and the periodontal ligament. In regenerative endodontics, however, the main challenge remains the formation of vascularized and innervated pulp-like tissue within the limited space of the root canal. Current research increasingly focuses on integrating cellular or cell-free strategies with bioengineering technologies, including functional scaffolds, controlled delivery of bioactive factors, and three-dimensional bioprinting. Nevertheless, clinical application is still constrained by variability in cell culture techniques, insufficient standardization of production, and strict regulatory requirements. In conclusion, dental stem cells represent a promising direction for regenerative dentistry, although their broader clinical implementation requires further technological standardization and well-designed clinical studies. Future research should focus on developing cell-free therapeutic approaches and advanced bioengineering strategies.