Abstract
<jats:p>Alveolar bone defects constitute one of the most complex regenerative challenges in dentistry and oral and maxillofacial surgery due to the unique embryological origin, anatomical specialization, and continuous remodeling dynamics of the alveolar process. Conventional reconstructive approaches – such as autogenous bone grafts, allografts, xenografts, and synthetic biomaterials – primarily aim to restore bone volume but frequently fail to reestablish the biological, vascular, and functional characteristics of native alveolar bone. Moreover, these methods are associated with limitations, including donor site morbidity, limited availability, unpredictable resorption, and incomplete integration with surrounding tissues. In recent years, dental stem cells (DSCs) have emerged as a highly promising and biologically relevant cell source for alveolar bone regeneration. Derived from neural crest–origin dental tissues, DSCs exhibit robust osteogenic potential, angiogenic support, immunomodulatory capacity, and favorable paracrine activity. Their accessibility from routinely extracted teeth further enhances their translational potential. This chapter provides a comprehensive and integrative overview of dental stem cell-based regeneration strategies for alveolar bone defects, spanning molecular signaling pathways, epigenetic regulation, stem cell niche biology, scaffold design principles, preclinical evidence, clinical applications, and regulatory considerations. By bridging basic science with clinical translation, this chapter aims to serve as an in-depth reference for researchers, clinicians, and translational scientists working in regenerative dentistry and craniofacial reconstruction.</jats:p>