The therapeutic potential of dental pulp mesenchymal stem cells and the emerging role of stem cell-based therapies in periodontal disease

Abstract

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that destroys the supporting structures of the teeth and is not predictably restored by conventional therapies using mechanical debridement and surgery alone. Dental pulp mesenchymal stem cells represent a relatively accessible and ethically acceptable source of multipotent cells with strong regenerative and immunomodulatory properties that may better address this unmet clinical need. This review aims to synthesize and critically appraise recent in vitro, animal and human studies on the use of dental pulp mesenchymal stem cells for periodontal regeneration, highlighting their biological characteristics, mechanisms of action within the inflamed periodontal environment, and translational relevance compared with other stem cell sources. Experimental evidence shows that these cells contribute to the formation of new bone, cementum and periodontal ligament, while reducing inflammation and enhancing angiogenesis and tissue remodeling. Early clinical applications also suggest improvements in clinical attachment, probing depth and radiographic bone fill without major short-term safety concerns. Overall, dental pulp mesenchymal stem cells appear to be a promising therapeutic option for true periodontal tissue regeneration, but robust, large-scale, long-term clinical trials, together with standardized protocols for cell preparation and delivery, are still required before they can be recommended for routine clinical use.