THE POTENTIAL OF STEM CELLS FROM DECIDUOUS TOOTH PULP AND THEIR CLINICAL APPLICATION: AN INTEGRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Objective: To analyze, through an integrative literature review, the potential of stem cells derived from the pulp of deciduous teeth, addressing their biological characteristics, collection methods, storage techniques, and main clinical applications. Literature review: Stem cells have gained prominence in regenerative dentistry due to their differentiation potential and tissue repair capacity, with the pulp of deciduous teeth representing an important source. These cells exhibit high proliferative capacity, multipotency, and a lower degree of invasiveness during collection when compared to other sources. Furthermore, they play an important role in the regeneration of dental and bone tissues, as well as showing potential application in regenerative therapies and tissue engineering. The research was conducted in the SciELO, PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and LILACS databases, including articles published between 2003 and 2026, using controlled and uncontrolled descriptors (DeCS/MeSH) in Portuguese and English. The findings revealed a total of seven publications that addressed the proposed theme in an integrated manner across the different analyzed indicators. Final considerations: Stem cells derived from deciduous dental pulp represent a promising therapeutic alternative in dentistry, with potential application in different regenerative approaches. However, more robust clinical studies are still needed to ensure their long-term efficacy and safety, aiming at their consolidation in clinical practice.