Current strategies and applications of tissue engineering in dentistry--a review Part 2.

The three main key elements used in tissue engineering are the stem cells, morphogens and the scaffolds that, under a conductive external influence (environment) combine in the engineering of tissues. Part 1 of this two-part review article described in detail the various stem cells, morphogens and scaffolds that can be used in tissue engineering. This second article describes the various ways in which these three key elements can be used to engineer biological tissues. A number of strategies and technologies (Figure 1) such as, stem cell therapy, gene therapy, guided tissue regeneration, self-assembling systems, etc have been proposed. Clinical Relevance: The field of tissue engineering has recently shown promising results and good future prospects in dentistry for the development of restorations to replace lost tooth structure with a functional replacement.