Regenerative dentistry across specialties: current evidence, clinical relevance, and translational limitations
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20261839Keywords:
Regenerative dentistry, Tissue engineering, Alveolar bone regeneration, Biomaterials, ScaffoldsAbstract
Regenerative dentistry covers a range of biologically based approaches rather than a single treatment model. This comprehensive review examined the main regenerative domains in contemporary dentistry, including periodontal regeneration, alveolar bone regeneration, pulp–dentin regeneration and regenerative endodontics, pediatric applications, orthodontic relevance, prosthodontic site development, and the role of biomaterials and tissue-engineering strategies. Literature from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was reviewed and interpreted comparatively according to target tissue, biologic aim, representative interventions, outcome measures, and degree of clinical support. The evidence showed clear variation across domains. Periodontal regeneration had the strongest clinical support, particularly in well-selected intrabony defects. Regenerative endodontic procedures offered important advantages in immature teeth, especially with respect to continued root development, although uncertainty remained regarding the exact nature of the tissue formed. Alveolar bone procedures were clinically useful for ridge preservation and site development, but volumetric improvement could not be assumed to represent true regeneration. In pediatric dentistry, regenerative strategies appeared especially relevant because of the healing potential of developing tissues. By contrast, orthodontic and prosthodontic applications were better understood as adjunctive uses of regenerative principles that support periodontal stability, tissue contour, and restorative planning. Overall, regenerative dentistry is best viewed as a field of uneven but meaningful clinical progress, with its strongest support in selected periodontal and endodontic applications.
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