Regenerative approaches in oral medicine

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells, which possess self-renewal properties and can produce specialized cells of multiple lineages. In addition to other stem cells from various anatomical locations within the maxillofacial complex, the oral cavity harbours both epithelial and mesenchymal stem cells, each suited to approaches for treating or managing a variety of specific conditions encountered in routine clinical oral medicine practice. This chapter focusses on stem cell and regenerative medicine approaches related to oral pathology and oral medicine with particular attention paid to oral mucosal diseases, salivary gland disorders, craniofacial and temporomandibular joint disorders, and orofacial pain conditions. The potential roles of stem cells in highlighting the pathogenesis of these conditions in addition to regenerative strategies for their management are outlined. The role of bioprinting as a potential therapeutic approach for both soft and hard tissue defects is discussed. Finally, the limitations of current approaches to regenerative medicine underpinned by imperfect and incomplete understanding of stem cell niches and their properties are summarized.