Tissue engineering and its applications in dentistry

Abstract

In dentistry, caries, pulpitis, apical periodontitis, and periodontitis represent a substantial burden for the health care system worldwide. Traditionally, clinical dental medicine is based on the removal of impaired or damaged tissues and the restoration of reduced tooth function using restorative materials. However, little of them reveal chemical, biological, or physical characteristics similar to natural enamel and/or dentine. This may result in the loss of cavity restorations [80] or may contribute to microleakage at the tooth restoration interface that will allow the infiltration of bacteria into the pulp. The barrier properties of reparative dentine were found to protect the pulp tissue better than any artificial material [131]. © 2009 Springer Berlin Heidelberg.