Biomaterial-Driven Approaches in Dentin Tissue Engineering: An Updated Review

Dentin–pulp regeneration has shifted from passive repair toward biologically guided strategies that preserve pulp vitality and actively regulate the healing microenvironment. This narrative review critically discusses biomaterial-driven approaches for dentin tissue engineering and their potential application in vital pulp therapy. Relevant literature was narratively selected according to thematic relevance, methodological contribution, and translational significance, without a formal systematic-review protocol or quantitative study-selection process; no fixed publication-date restriction was imposed, and both seminal and recent studies were considered. The evidence indicates that naturally derived polymeric scaffolds, nanofibrous membranes, injectable and photocrosslinkable hydrogels, microsphere-based delivery systems, and three-dimensional printed scaffolds can combine structural support with mineral signaling, immunomodulation, endogenous cell recruitment, angiogenesis, odontoblast-like differentiation, and controlled bioactive-agent delivery. Cell-homing and multifunctional platforms are particularly relevant for clinical translation because they may support pulp-preserving therapies without exogenous cell transplantation and may be integrated with familiar restorative procedures. However, most evidence remains preclinical and heterogeneous. Future translation requires standardized dentin-based, inflammatory, microbial, and orthotopic models, together with validation of handling, curing, sealing, degradation, safety, and long-term pulp vitality under clinically relevant conditions.