O Emprego da Engenharia Tecidual na Odontologia The Use of Tissue Engineering in Dentistry

Advances in molecular and cellular biology have contributed to the development of techniques to repair, or even regenerate, organs and tissues that have been injured by diseases, traumas and congenital deformities. Tissue engineering is an interdisciplinary field that applies the principles of engineering, biology and the clinical sciences to the development of biological substitutes that are able to maintain, restore or improve the function of organs and tissues. This new science is based on three components: cells, biocompatible matrices and bioactive molecules which are responsible for morphogenic signals. The cells most often used are stem cells. This article is aimed to bring dental surgeons up to date on tissue engineering concepts and the context in which tissue engineering is being studied within Dentistry; specifically, areas related to periodontium and pulp.