THE USE OF STEM CELLS IN PULP REGENERATION: INTEGRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Dentistry encompasses several branches of study, with Endodontics standing out. Its main objective is to investigate the processes related to the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of pulp and periapical pathologies. The term "Regenerative Endodontics," which involves the use of stem cells for the repair of root structures and the differentiation and formation of tissues analogous to the dentin-pulp complex, was adopted in 2007 by the American Association of Endodontics. The use of cell therapy has shown great promise in dentistry. The objective of this review was to describe the possibilities and limitations of pulp regeneration using dental pulp stem cells compared to conventional endodontic treatments, highlighting its clinical applications, advantages, challenges, efficacy, indications, and restrictions. To this end, an integrative literature review was conducted, including a survey of scientific articles in the PubMed, LILACS, Google Scholar, BVS, and SciELO databases. The search was conducted using the descriptors "Regenerative Endodontics," "Stem Cells," and "Dental Pulp," covering publications from 2019 to 2025. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 30 studies published in Portuguese and English were selected. Pulp regeneration remains a promising therapy. However, this technique requires further clinical studies, as well as the development of biomaterials, to consolidate its potential in dental practice.