Application and Prospect of Stem Cells and Biomaterials in Oral and Maxillofacial Tissue Regeneration

Abstract

Oral and maxillofacial soft tissue defects are common clinical problems that seriously affect patients’ oral function and mental health. Traditional restorative methods have limitations, while regenerative dentistry utilizes oral-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs), such as Dental Pulp Stem Cells (DPSCs), Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells (PDLSCs), and Stem Cells from Human Exfoliated Deciduous Teeth (SHED), combined with biomaterials such as hydrogels, scaffolds, and growth factors, to provide a new strategy for tissue regeneration. This type of stem cell exhibits multidirectional differentiation capacity and can promote the functional repair of dentin, periodontal, and bone tissues. In recent years, cell-free strategies based on the MSCs secretum (such as exosomes and conditioned medium) have also shown regenerative potential. Although challenges remain in MSC sources, vascularization, and material integration, with the advancement of tissue engineering technology and personalized treatment, regenerative dentistry holds broad prospects for the repair of oral and maxillofacial defects.