Regenerative endodontics is one of the most exciting developments in dentistry today and endodontists are at the forefront of this cutting-edge research. Regenerative endodontics uses the concept of tissue engineering to restore the root canals to a healthy state, allowing for continued development of the root and surrounding tissue. Endodontists’ knowledge in the fields of pulp biology, dental trauma and tissue engineering can be applied to deliver biologically based regenerative endodontic treatment of necrotic immature permanent teeth resulting in continued root development, increased thickness in the dentinal walls and apical closure. These developments in regeneration of a functional pulp-dentin complex have a promising impact on efforts to retain the natural dentition, the ultimate goal of endodontic treatment.

Regenerative endodontics evolved out of early experiments on the role of the blood clot in endodontic therapy; coupled with an understanding that revascularization, or reestablishment of a vascular supply to existing pulp tissue, is essential for continuation of root development after traumatic injuries. Other contributing factors have been the expansion of stem cell research, in particular the discovery of mesenchymal stem cells with the potential to differentiate into odontogenic-like cell lines and the potential for therapeutic applications of tissue engineering.