Biomimetic Approaches for the Design and Development of Multifunctional Bioresorbable Layered Scaffolds for Dental Regeneration

Dental diseases are extremely widespread all over the world, such as periodontitis, pulpitis and others that require a reconstruction of the dental apparatus. Biocompatible prosthetic devices have provided options in many cases helping millions of people, but the body's reaction to these devices is far from ideal. This chapter explains that starting from a wide and deep study and characterization of the target site, and through a biomimetic approach, it was possible to obtain new materials based on biopolymeric matrix and a biomimetic inorganic phase presenting the potential to act as a source of biochemical and topographical signals for the various cell lineages present in dental environment. By interdisciplinary approaches and close communication between material scientists, biologists and clinicians, future dental treatment will be able to combine biomimetic scaffolds, stem cells, growth factors and antibacterial or anti-inflammatory molecules, to support the whole tissue regeneration instead of its replacement.