Pulp Biology and Regeneration: Basic, Clinical and Educational Aspects

Regenerative endodontics is a rapidly evolving discipline within dental medicine that seeks to restore the function and vitality of the dental pulp–dentin complex through biologically based therapies. In contrast to conventional endodontic treatment—which focuses on the obturation of the root canal system—regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs) aim to biologically replace damaged or necrotic pulp tissue with healthy, functional tissue capable of continued root development and immune defense. These biologically driven approaches integrate key elements of tissue engineering, including stem/progenitor cells, bioactive scaffolds, and signaling molecules. While most clinical and preclinical studies to date have focused on immature teeth with open apices, where standardized clinical protocols and favorable outcomes have been reported, regenerative endodontics is now being increasingly explored in mature teeth with closed apices. This expansion raises critical new questions, as mature teeth differ in terms of vascular supply, stem cell availability, and apical anatomy. As a result, modifications to existing protocols may be required, and the regenerative capacity of the dental tissues of older patients must be further investigated.

Despite significant progress, several biological and clinical challenges remain unresolved. The outcomes of regenerative procedures remain variable, particularly in terms of the newly formed tissue, long-term functionality, and root maturation. Optimizing scaffold composition, enhancing the controlled delivery of bioactive molecules, and identifying the most effective stem cell sources are ongoing areas of research. In mature teeth, additional complexities arise due to potentially reduced regenerative potential, diminished vascularization, and a more constrained apical environment. Furthermore, the influence of bacterial persistence, host immune response, and patient-specific factors continue to pose challenges to treatment predictability and success.

This Research Topic aims to advance the scientific and clinical understanding of pulp biology and regenerative endodontics, encompassing both basic research and translational innovations. We welcome manuscripts addressing, but not limited to, the following topics:

• The cellular and molecular biology of the dental pulp

• Regenerative strategies in both immature and mature teeth

• Stem cell dynamics and their role in pulp–dentin regeneration

• Development and optimization of biomaterials and scaffolds

• Signaling pathways and growth factor regulation

• Host–microbial interactions in the endodontic microenvironment

• Advances in clinical protocols and outcome evaluation

• Translational and preclinical models supporting clinical implementation

• Educational research focused on regenerative endodontics in dental training

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Regenerative Endodontics, Pulp Biology, Tissue Engineering, Stem Cells, Clinical Translation, Dental Education

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.