Scaffolds in regenerative endodontics

Certainly, the first and the critical step in the tissue engineering is the designing and fabricating an appropriate scaffold for tissue regeneration. To this purpose, a vast variety of biomaterials is available to use as the main component of the fabricated scaffold such as natural or synthetic polymers. Each biomaterial offers its unique characteristics. Physical and chemical properties, mechanical properties, the possibility for modifications, cell affinity, etc. widely vary between different biomaterials. Therefore, biomaterial selection is the main step in designing a scaffold. In addition to biomaterial selection, the method of construction is another effective factor in designing an appropriate scaffold. Currently, scaffolds are fabricated in a way to be bioactive and to have a good interaction with cells rather than just a passive carrier for cells and/or growth factors. This presentation reviews some studies in the regenerative Endodontics while focusing more on the investigated scaffolds. In this area, it is attempted to form a pulp-like tissue in the root canal which is able to form new dentin. First, an overview of biomaterials used in the pulp/dentin complex regeneration will be provided. Next, common methods of scaffold construction will be discussed. Furthermore, growth factors delivery approaches through scaffolds will be presented. Finally, some novel scaffolds for preparing a bacteria-free environment in the root canal will be summarized

کلیدواژه ها:

Scaffolds ، Tissue engineering ، Regenerative endodontics ، Dentistry.