FIGURE 3.

Potential therapeutic strategies of the bFGF in regenerative endodontic therapy. (A) Pulp repair. The bFGF could be prepared as a pulp-capping agent when combined with a customized scaffold. This drug carrier system could provide controlled release of the bFGF and induce the ingrowth of cells and vessels, resulting in local pulp regeneration and dentine formation. The outcomes are dose-dependent: (a) low dose of the bFGF (0,0.05 mg/ml), no calcified tissue formation; (b) moderate dose of the bFGF (0.5 mg/ml), dentinal bridge–like structure on the dentin defect surface; and (c) high dose of the bFGF (1.0, 5.0 mg/ml), dentin-like particles in the proliferating pulp. (B) Pulp regeneration. A specific scaffold in the gutta-percha point or an injectable form loads the bFGF or the combinatory group of factors, with or without stem cells, which could be applied in pulp regeneration therapy, leading to pulp-like tissue formation in root canals.