Tissue Engineering : Future of Pediatric Endodontics
Dr. George Kurian Panampally, MDS*, Dr. Vivek M. Patil, MDS**,Dr. Rehan Khan, MDS***,
During the last 10–15 years, there has been a tremendous increase in our clinical “tools” (i.e. materials,
instruments and medications) and knowledge from the trauma and tissue engineering fields that can be
applied to regeneration of a functional pulp-dentin complex. Tissue engineering is a multidisciplinary approach
that aims to regenerate functional tooth tissue structure based on the interplay of three basic key elements:Stem cells, morphogens and scaffolds. A number of recent clinical case reports have revealed the possibilities
that many teeth that traditionally would be treated byapexification may be treated by apexogenesis. Pulpal
regeneration after tooth injury is not easy to accomplish, because of the infected pulp requires tooth
extraction or root canal therapy. Current treatment modalities offer high levels of success for many conditions;
an ideal form of therapy might consist of regenerative approaches in which diseased or necrotic pulp tissues
are removed and replaced with healthy pulp tissue to revitalize teeth. This review discusses fundamental
concepts of stem cell biology and tissue engineering within the context of regenerative dentistry.
Keywords : Tissue engineering, pediatric endodontics, future of pedodontics
(GTR, GBR) procedures and distraction osteogenesis,4
There is a high rate of success in retention
the application of platelet rich plasma (PRP) for bone
of teeth by endodontic therapy. However, many
augmentation,5emdogain for periodontal tissue
teeth are not restorable because of apical
resorption, fracture, incompletely formed roots or
carious destruction of coronal structures. A novel
augmentation,7 and preclinical trials on the use of
approach to restore tooth structure is based on
fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) for periodontal
biology i.e. regenerative endodontic procedures by
tissue regeneration.8,9 A counter argument to the
the application of tissue engineering. T issue
development of regenerative endodontic procedure
engineering is an emerging multi disciplinary field
is that although the replaced pulp has potential to
that applies the principles of engineering and life
revitalize the teeth, it may also become susceptible
sciences for the development of biological
to further pulp disease and may require retreatment.
substitutes that can restore, maintain, or improve
Over the last two decades, tissue engineering has
tissue function.1 Regenerative endodontic
evolved from science fiction to science. Indeed,
procedures can be defined as biologically based
isolated clinical case reports are consistent with the
procedures, designed to predictably replace
concept that certain clinical treatments might evolve
damaged, diseased, or missing structures, including
into regenerative endodontic procedures.10
dentin and root structures as well as cells of the pulp
However, additional translational research is needed
dentin complex with live viable tissues preferably
to develop predictable clinical regenerative
of the same origin that restore the normal
procedures. The purpose of this article is to review
physiologic functions of the pulp dentin complex.2
the biological principles of tissue engineering and
Hermann (1952)3 was the first to carry out
the hurdles that must be overcome to develop
regenerative endodontic procedure, when he
applied calcium hydroxide in vital pulp amputation.
Subsequent regenerative dental procedures
The field of tissue engineering has literally
included guided tissue or guided bone regeneration
exploded during the last decade, and extensive
Journal of Interdisciplinary Dental Sciences, Vol. 1, No. 2 July-Dec. 2012
reviews on dental applications are available for the
to injury by induction of reparative dentinogenesis
interested reader.2,11Here we briefly review 3 major
suggests that a small population of competent
components of tissue engineering from the concept
progenitor pulp stem cells may exist within the
of developing regenerative endodontic treatment
Tissue engineering is the field of functional
these cells are able to detect and respond to tooth
restoration of tissue structure and physiology for
injury is a scarce, but this information will be
impaired or damaged tissues because of cancer,
valuable for use in developing tissue engineering
diseases, and trauma. The key elements of tissue
engineering are stem cells, morphogens, and a
Several, if not all, adult tissues have a
subpopulation of stem cells. Examples of such
tissues are the bone marrow, brain, skin, muscle,
All tissues originate from stem cells. A stem cell is
and adipose tissue.16,17 Stem cells have also been
defined as a cell that has the ability to continuously
found in several dental tissues. One of the first
divide to either replicate itself (self replication) or
tooth-related stem cell types was found in the pulp
produce specialized cells that can differentiate into
of permanent teeth and was named dental pulp stem
various other types of cells or tissues.14
cells(DPSCs).18 In addition, stem cells from human
exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED), stem cells from
the apical papilla, dental follicle progenitor cells, and
periodontal ligament stem cells have also been
characterized. Mechanistic studies focused on these
cells are certainly improving our understanding of
tooth development. In addition, this knowledge has
The plasticity of stem cell defines its ability
been applied in translational studies that aim at the
to produce cells of different tissues. Stem cells are
use of these stem cells in clinical settings where the
commonly subdivided into totipotent, pluripotent
regeneration of dental and craniofacial tissues is
and multipotent categories according to their
To accomplish endodontic regeneration, the
applications depends on their proliferation rate,
most promising cells are autologous postnatal stem
differentiation potential, and accessibility. For
cells, because these appear to have the minimum
example, when bone marrow stem cells were
disadvantages. Postnatal stem cells have been found
compared with DPSCs, DPSCs presented favourable
in almost all body tissues, including dental tissues.
results with regard to odontogenic capability.20 Stem
Four types of human dental stem cells have been
cells of dental origin can certainly generate
dentaltissues. It has been shown that SHED and DPSCs
are capable of generating a tissue that has
(b). Stem cells from Human exfoliated deciduous
morphological and functional characteristics that
closely resemble those of human dental pulp.21
(c). Stem cells from apical papillae (SCAP)
Other studies have expanded the potential of these
(d). Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs)
cells in the treatment of diseases and conditions
such as muscular dystrophies, critical size bone
differentiated cells which cannot proliferate to
defects, corneal alterations, spinal cord injury, and
replace subjacent irreversibly injured odontoblasts.
systemic lupus erythematosus. Such studies clearly
The ability of both young and old teeth to respond
demonstrate the plasticity and the differentiation
Journal of Interdisciplinary Dental Sciences, Vol. 1, No. 2 July-Dec. 2012
potential of stem cells of dental origin. And finally,
differentiation toward specific cell fates and to
SHED cells have the unique advantage of being
coordinate cellular processes that result ultimately
retrievable from naturally exfoliated teeth, which
in the generation of a new tissue or organ via tissue
can be considered a “disposable” source of postnatal
engineering-based approaches. More specifically,
human tissue. Collectively, these studies suggest
there are many similarities between morphogenic
that the tooth constitutes an attractive source of
factors regulating dentinogenesis and the factors
stem cells that can potentially be useful in a wide
that regulate reparative dentinogenesis.It can be
easy to conclude that the field of dental tissue
Recent evidence suggests that stem cells are
engineering can benefit tremendously from studies
localized in areas with low oxygen tension. Work on
focused on the cellular and molecular mechanisms
hematopoietic and neural stem cells showed that
of odontogenesis. Growth factors have an important
culturing progenitors in hypoxic conditions increases
role in signalling reparative processes in dentin and
the number of multipotent clones when compared
pulp. Indeed, it is known that factors such as
with normoxic cultures. In addition to effects on
transforming growth factor, bone morphogenic
differentiation and cell fate, hypoxia promotes
proteins (BMPs), platelet-derived growth factor,
survival and increases the proliferation of
multipotent precursors. This phenomenon may
endothelialgrowth factor (VEGF) are incorporated
depict clinical situations in which pulp tissues are
into thedentin matrix during dentinogenesis and are
affected by noxious stimuli such as mechanical pulp
retained thereas “fossilized” molecules.
exposure or trauma that leads to localized ischemia.
Interestingly, when these moleculesare released
The secondary dentin bridge that formed under the
from the dentin, they are bioactive andfully capable
injury site is possibly the product of differentiated
of inducing cellular responses, as for examplethose
progenitors from deciduous pulp stem cell reservoir.
that lead to the generation of tertiary dentin and
Further studies are required to understand whether
DPSCs react differently to signalling molecules after
hypoxic treatment, which might alter their
insulin like growth factor-1 together with collagen
has been found to induce complete dentin bridging
Signalling molecules and dental pulp stem
and tubular dentin format.24This indicates the
potential of adding growth factors before pulp
Growth factors and morphogenic factors are
capping or incorporating them into restorative and
proteins that bind to specific membrane receptors
endodontic materials to stimulate dentin and pulp
and trigger a series of signalling pathways that
regeneration. The therapeutic effect of calcium
coordinate all cellular functions. These molecules
hydroxide may be because of its extraction of growth
play a critical role during development, guiding
factors from dentin matrix.25Once released, these
processes that determine the fate of stem cells and
growth factors may play key roles in signalling many
regulate the generation of all tissues and organs in
of the events of tertiary dentinogenesis, a response
morphogenic molecules play a critical role in
FGF2 plays a role not only as a differentiation
physiological processes of tissue regeneration as,
inducing factor in the injury repairprocess of pulpal
for example, wound healing in the skin or dental
tissue but also as a positive regulator of chemokine
pulp responses to the progression of dentinal caries.
expression, which may help in tissue engineering
The same growth factors that guide embryogenesis
and pulp regeneration using Human DPSCs.
and physiological tissue regeneration can also be
However, the fate of odotoblastic or osteoblastic
differentiation, effective local delivery for FGF2
Journal of Interdisciplinary Dental Sciences, Vol. 1, No. 2 July-Dec. 2012
interaction of chemotactic and odontogenic factor
1. Root canal revascularization via blood clotting
limitations need to be overcome.26 Ability of MTA to
induce useful cellular response to achieve suitable
tissue wound healing is by promoting by adhesion,
supporting cellular proliferation and by inducing
migration of human mesenchymal stem cells.
Mesenchymal stem cells are usually involved in
tissue and bone remodelling, and local environment
A study has found that inducing bleeding of pulp
is thought to play an important role in the
was easier and effective when an anestheticsolution
commitment and differentiation of mesenchymal
Collectively, there has been a tremendous increase
in our clinical tools (i.e. materials, instruments, and
medications) and knowledge from the trauma and
environments for cell growth and differentiation,
tissue engineering fields during the last decade.
promoting cell adhesion and migration. The scaffold
Despite the impressive progress in tissue
serves as a carrier for morphogens in protein therapy
engineering approaches to regenerative pulp
associated broad spectrum of responses in pulp
(a). Biological or Natural e.g. Collagen,
includes neural and vascular regeneration.15, 19, 28
(b). Artificial or Synthetic e.g. Poly lactic acid (PLA)
Dental pulp is richly innervated. The main nerve
Poly glycolic acid (PGA), Poly ethylene glycol (PEG),
supply enters the pulp through apical foramen along
Arginine, Hydroxyapatite, Tricalcium Phoshate.15
with the vascular elements. They include both
sensory and sympathetic nerves. Pulpal nerves play
New techniques involving viral or non viral vectors
a key role in regulation of blood flow, dentinal fluid
that can deliver genes for growth factors,
flow, and pressure. The innervation of the pulp has
morphogens, transcription factors and extracellular
a critical role in the homeostasis of the dental pulp.
matrix molecules into target cell populations has
The pulpal nerve fibers contribute to angiogenesis,
been developed. The use of gene delivery in
extravasation of immune cells and regulate
endodontics would be to deliver mineralizing genes
inflammation to minimize initial damage, maintain
into pulp tissues to promote tissue mineralization.
pulp tissue, and strengthen pulpal defense
Dr.Rutherford transfected ferret pulps with cDNA-
mechanisms. The increasing interest in tissue
transfected mouse BMP-7 that failed to produce a
engineering of tooth must take into account neuro-
reparative response, suggesting that further research
pulpal interactions and nerve regeneration.31
is needed to optimize the potential of pulp gene
therapy. Because of the apparent high risk of health
Pulp vasculature plays an important role in
hazards, the development of a gene therapy to
regulating inflammation and subsequent repair and
accomplish endodontic treatment seems very
regeneration of dentin. There is an intimate
association of the neural elements with vascular
supply of the dental pulp suggesting the interplay
of neural and vascular elements and involvement in
Following are the areas of research that might have
pulp homeostasis. The vascular endothelial growth
application in the development of regenerative
factor (VEGF) is an excellent regulator of
Journal of Interdisciplinary Dental Sciences, Vol. 1, No. 2 July-Dec. 2012
angiogenesis and is known to increase vascular
endodontic tissue engineering a reality in the near
future. Progress will depend on the collaboration
proliferation and differentiation of human dental
between clinicians and researchers from diverse
pulp cells. The utility of gene therapy in stimulation
fields (e.g., biomaterials, stem cell biology and
of vascular growth permits local stimulation of
endodontics) working together toward the goal of
developing biological approaches to regenerate
The recent advances in vascular biology and VEGF
and techniques of gene transfer and gene therapy
will be of potential clinical utility in dentistry,
Langer R, Vacnati JP: Tissue engineering.
especially in endodontics. Statin, 3-hydroxy-3-methy
glutayl coenzyme A reductaseinhibitor is known to
Murray PE, Garcia-Godoy F, Hargreaves KM:
Pulp tissue contains a large amount of blood vessels
current status and a call for action. Journal
and peripheral nerves. Statin is known to induce
angiogenesis and to regulate the survival and
increase neurogenesis of neuronal cells, indicating
pulp to vital amputation and calxyl capping.
the possible effectiveness of statin in pulp
regeneration along with dentin regeneration.
Furthermore, statin has an anti-inflammatory effect
Block MA, Cervini D, Chang A, Gottsegen GV:
in various tissues. This could help to restore the
Anterior maxillary advancement using tooth
inflamed pulp tissue. Taken together, results suggest
supported distraction osteogensis. Journal
that statin might be an ideal active ingredient in pulp
capping material to accelerate reparative dentin
formation. However, at the same time attention has
Kassolis JD, Rosen PS, Reynolds MA: Alveloar
to be paid to the cell death observed in the cells
treated with high concentration of statin. Therefore,
a careful evaluation of the suitable concentration is
freeze dried bone allograft: case series.
required before its use in pulp regeneration.33
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Tissue engineering using the triad of dental
pulp stem cells, morphogens and scaffolds may
provide an innovative and biologically based
atelopeptide type I collagen as a carrier for
approach for generation of clinical materials and
treatment of dental diseases. The challenges of
introducing endodontic tissue engineered therapies
are substantial; the potential benefits to patients
and the profession are ground breaking.
Better understanding of cell interactions and
growth along with further research can make
Journal of Interdisciplinary Dental Sciences, Vol. 1, No. 2 July-Dec. 2012
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*Reader, **Reader, *** Sr. Lect., ****Sr. Lect.
Dept. of Pedodontics & Preventive Dentistry
Saraswati Dhanwantari Dental College & Hospital
Saraswati Dhanwantari Dental College & Hospital
Journal of Interdisciplinary Dental Sciences, Vol. 1, No. 2 July-Dec. 2012
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