Abstract
The implementation of hydraulic calcium silicate-based endodontic cements (HCSCs) in biologically based endodontic procedures for the primary dentition has been recently investigated, focusing on the biological response of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs) towards them. The present systematic review aimed to present a qualitative synthesis of the available literature consisting of in vitro assays, which assessed the cytocompatibility and bioactive properties of HCSCs in direct contact with SHEDs. Following the PRISMA statement, an electronic database search was carried out in Medline, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and SciELO on March 31st and updated on November 16th, 2020. In vitro studies evaluating the biological response of SHEDs to the treatment with HCSCs were eligible. Within the term biological response, assays assessing the cytocompatibility (i.e., cell viability, migration, proliferation), cell plasticity or differentiation (i.e., osteo/odontogenic marker expression), and bioactivity or biomineralization (i.e., mineralized nodule formation) were included. A total of seven studies were included after the selection process. The study sample comprised an extensive range of cell viability, migration, proliferation, adhesion, and bioactivity assays regarding the biological response of SHEDs towards five different commercially available HCSCs (MTA, ProRoot MTA, Biodentine, iRoot BP Plus, and Theracal LC). Biodentine, MTA, and iRoot BP Plus showed significant positive results in cytocompatibility and bioactivity assays when cultured with SHEDs. The results from in vitro assays assessing the cytocompatibility and bioactivity of the HCSCs MTA, Biodentine, and iRoot BP Plus towards SHEDs support their use in vital pulp treatment for the primary dentition.