The gingival tissue can be collected in an easy way and represent an accessible source to isolate gingival-derived mesenchymal stem cells (GMSCs). GMSCs are a subpopulation of dental-derived mesenchymal stem cells that show the mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) features, such as differentiation abilities and immunomodulatory properties. Dental-derived stem cells are also expandable in vitro with genomic stability and the possibility to maintain the stemness properties over a prolonged period of passages. Moreover, several preclinical studies have documented that the extracellular vesicles (EVs) released from GMSCs possess similar biological functions and therapeutic effects. The EVs may represent a promising tool in the cell-free regenerative therapy approach. The present review paper summarized the GMSCs, their multi-lineage differentiation capacities, immunomodulatory features, and the potential use in the treatment of several diseases in order to stimulate tissue regeneration. GMSCs should be considered a good stem cell source for potential applications in tissue engineering and regenerative dentistry.

The surface structure of the titanium dental implants can modulate the activity of mesenchymal stem cells in order to promote the upregulation of osteoblastic related genes and the release of extracellular matrix (ECM) components. The present work was focused on the in vitro evaluation of the interaction of human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) and two different implant titanium surfaces topography (CTRL and TEST). This study was aimed at analyzing the cytotoxicity of the dental implant surfaces, the cellular adhesion capacity, and the improvement in the release of ECM molecules in an in vitro model. These parameters were carried out by means of the microscopic evaluation, viability assays, immunofluorescence, Western blot and RT-PCR investigations. The knowledge of the cell/implant interaction is essential for implant healing in order to obtain a more performing surfaces that promote the ECM release and provide the starting point to initiate the osseointegration process.

Bacterial adhesion to the implant surface was the first step of peri-implant inflammation. Changes in the properties of the implant surface represent a way to reduce plaque colonization. The aim of this study was to evaluate the actual efficacy of titanium nitride (TiN) coated implants on antibacterial activity. Data were collected after identification of PICO. A search was performed in PubMed-Medline, Embase, Web of Knowledge, and Google Scholar using the following keywords: “Titanium nitride, dental implant coating, antibacterial activity, biofilm formation, plaque formation, modified implant surfaces, implant abutments”. The original search included 107 articles. After title and abstract screening, the number was reduced to 12. These articles were read in full text, and finally 5 articles were included in the mini-review. TiN-coated titanium appears to reduce bacterial adhesion and growth and may represent a real possibility for preventing peri-implantitis and mucositis. However, further clinical studies need to be conducted.