DENTAL PULP AS A SOURCE OF STEM CELLS:PROSPECTS FOR APPLICATION AND TOOTH REGENERATION

Abstract

This article explores the potential of dental pulp as a promising source of stem cells. The research has the general objective of carrying out a literature review on the importance of dental pulp as a source of stem cells and their applicability. The specific objectives were to clarify the relevance of the pulp as a safe source of stem cells, understand the characteristics of this tissue and highlight the applications and achievements achieved in the study of stem cells found in dental pulp, in addition to addressing their advantages and disadvantages. DPSPs (dental pulp-derived stem cells) are adult stem cells that originate from the pulp tissue of extracted teeth and their main characteristics are the ability to differentiate and self-renew in various tissues, being responsible for healing and regeneration after tissue damage. Contemporary dentistry has advanced considerably with the studies of stem cells extracted from the pulp, allowing the improvement of various dental therapies in areas such as endodontics, periodontics and implant dentistry. The methodology used in this study was a literature review, based on scientific articles taken from reliable digital platforms, published between 2000 and 2024. Despite the remaining challenges, the continuous advances in this area point to the evolution of dentistry to another level, considering a promising future in tooth regeneration and other innovative therapies.