Dentin Grafts: Navigating the Paradigm Shift in Regenerative Dentistry

Cureus. 2024 Oct 3;16(10):e70760. doi: 10.7759/cureus.70760. eCollection 2024 Oct.

Abstract

The biomaterial of dentin has emerged as a promising candidate for the tissue engineering of dental hard tissues. In bone tissue engineering, it may serve as either a scaffold or a reservoir of growth factors. The physical and chemical similarities between the dentin structure and bone have sparked scientific interest in using its features for the development of a new bone transplant material. Dentin, unlike hard and fragile enamel, is viscoelastic, making it a very effective bone replacement. The regeneration of pulp tissue has proven challenging due to its encasement in dentin, which lacks collateral blood flow except from the apical end of the root. Yet, the emergence of contemporary tissue engineering and the identification of dental stem cells have enabled experimentation with the regeneration of both pulp and dentin. This review will explain the different types of dentin grafts, their biocompatibility, safety, and effectiveness, along with difficulties. Additionally, the paper covers several strategies for creating autogenous dentin grafts and gives evidence-based insights into their clinical effectiveness. Overall, dentin grafts appear as a potential alternative to standard graft materials, stimulating tissue regeneration and enhancing patient outcomes in regenerative dentistry operations.

Keywords: biocompatibility; dentin grafts; osteoinductive potential; regenerative dentistry; tissue regeneration.

Publication types

  • Review