Effectiveness of Stem Cells Therapy on Periodontal Defects: A Systematic Review and Pilot Meta-analysis

Stem cell-based regenerative periodontal therapy has been widely explored as a treatment strategy for periodontitis. This systematic review evaluated the efficacy of stem cells on periodontal defects before, during, and after 6 and 12 months of periodontal regeneration therapy. Following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a comprehensive search of Scopus, PubMed, and Cochraine was conducted from 2015 to July 2025. It included trials in periodontitis patients with periodontal defects who received regenerative therapy with stem cells. Outcomes were assessed through clinical and radiographic examinations at 6 and 12 months after therapy. A total of 9 RCTs, covering a total of 123 defects, were included. Overall findings demonstrated significant benefits of stem cell use at 6 and 12 months in periodontal regeneration procedures. A significant increase in CAL was observed, with a mean of 4.25 (95% CI: 3.79-4.71) at 6 months and 3.90 (95% CI: 3.27-4.52) at 12 months. PPD was also significantly reduced, with a mean reduction of 3.24 mm at 6 months and 3.78 mm at 12 months. Despite heterogeneity across studies, stem cell therapy consistently demonstrated a positive effect in reducing defect depth, with a mean reduction of 3.98 mm. Plaque index results showed variability, but overall, stem cells showed potential in bone defect repair. Conclusion: The use of stem cells has been shown to be effective in regenerative therapy.