Abstract
Purpose: This review discusses recent progress in electrospun nanofibers for dental regenerative treatments. It covers their fabrication techniques, characterization methods, and diverse applications such as pulp-dentine regeneration, periodontal therapy, bone tissue engineering, dental implants, wound healing, and drug delivery. Additionally, the review summarizes patents, clinical studies, and future outlooks to evaluate the potential of electrospun nanofibrous systems in dentistry. Methods: A narrative review was conducted, examining scientific papers, patents, and clinical trial data related to electrospinning techniques and dental regeneration. The review evaluated studies on polymer choice, electrospinning settings, scaffold characterization, and dental uses. Key findings from experimental, preclinical, and clinical studies were integrated to analyze current advancements and challenges. Results: Electrospun nanofibers exhibit a biomimetic structure, high porosity, and customizable physical properties, making them ideal for dental engineering. They enhance cell adhesion, growth, and differentiation, as well as enable controlled drug release. Their uses include antimicrobial periodontal membranes, bioactive pulp-dentin scaffolds, osteoconductive bone regeneration matrices, implant coatings that improve osseointegration, and wound dressings that accelerate healing. Several patented methods and early clinical trials show encouraging results, especially in periodontal drug delivery and bone regeneration. Conclusion: Electrospun nanofibers are a highly adaptable and potent choice for dental regeneration due to their resemblance to the natural extracellular matrix and their capacity to embed bioactive agents. Although notable advancements have been made, issues such as mechanical stability, large-scale production, and long-term biocompatibility remain challenging. Ongoing innovation in smart fibers and hybrid scaffolds is crucial for effective clinical application.