Dental Stem Cells in Regenerative Dentistry: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Applications

Regenerative dentistry represents a transformative frontier within oral health care, aiming to repair or replace damaged dental and periodontal tissues using biological approaches rather than conventional restorative interventions. Over recent years, dental stem cells have emerged as a promising cell source for tissue regeneration, demonstrating potential in the formation of dentin, pulp-like tissue, and periodontal structures. Despite these achievements, the complete regeneration of functional tooth architecture remains an unfulfilled goal in clinical practice. The intricate interaction between epithelial and mesenchymal tissues during tooth development underscores the complexity of replicating natural tooth formation. Additionally, biomaterials designed for regeneration often face limitations in reproducing the hierarchical and biomechanical properties of native tissues. Further challenges arise from the restricted differentiation capacity of dental stem cells, incomplete understanding of molecular regulatory pathways, and risks associated with immune responses and ethical considerations. This context underscores the continuing need for interdisciplinary research integrating stem cell biology, materials science, and translational medicine to advance regenerative dental therapies.

This Research Topic aims to explore the fundamental biological mechanisms and translational strategies underlying dental tissue regeneration. The main objective is to promote innovative research that bridges the gap between laboratory findings and clinical applications. Key areas include elucidating the molecular mechanisms controlling dental stem cell differentiation, optimizing biomaterials to better mimic natural tissue microenvironments, improving scaffold design for tissue integration, and developing preclinical and clinical methodologies that ensure safety and efficacy. The goal is to inspire cross-disciplinary collaborations that enhance the clinical viability of regenerative dental therapies and improve oral health outcomes globally.

To gather further insights into regenerative approaches in dentistry, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Molecular and cellular mechanisms regulating dental stem cell differentiation
• Development and characterization of biomimetic scaffolds and materials
• Engineering of pulp, dentin, and periodontal tissues using stem cells
• Growth factor signaling and microenvironment modulation for tissue regeneration
• Preclinical models and translational research strategies for dental repair
• Clinical trials assessing efficacy and safety of regenerative therapies
• Immune response, biocompatibility, and long-term integration of regenerated tissues
• Ethical, regulatory, and technological challenges in clinical translation
• Advanced imaging and modeling techniques for evaluating tissue regeneration
• Emerging nanotechnology and bioengineering tools for regenerative dentistry

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
• 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: Dental stem cells, Regenerative dentistry, Tooth regeneration, Biomaterials, Pulp tissue regeneration, Periodontal ligament stem cells, Tissue engineering, Growth factors, Molecular mechanisms, Clinical translation

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.