Open Access Review

Gene-enhanced tissue engineering for dental hard tissue regeneration: (2) dentin-pulp and periodontal regeneration

Paul C Edwards1* and James M Mason2

Author Affiliations

1 Creighton University School of Dentistry, Omaha, NE, USA

2 NorthShore- Long Island JewishFeinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA

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Head & Face Medicine 2006, 2:16 doi:10.1186/1746-160X-2-16

Published: 25 May 2006

Abstract

Potential applications for gene-based tissue engineering therapies in the oral and maxillofacial complex include the delivery of growth factors for periodontal regeneration, pulp capping/dentin regeneration, and bone grafting of large osseous defects in dental and craniofacial reconstruction.

Part 1 reviewed the principals of gene-enhanced tissue engineering and the techniques of introducing DNA into cells. This manuscript will review recent advances in gene-based therapies for dental hard tissue regeneration, specifically as it pertains to dentin regeneration/pulp capping and periodontal regeneration.