Bone regeneration based on stem cells derived from bone marrow, iliac crest, or adipose tissue: a scoping review protocol of clinical applications for dental implant site preparation

Introduction: Dental implant therapy is widely recognized as the gold standard for tooth replacement; however, bone atrophy frequently necessitates augmentation procedures to ensure implant success. Conventional grafting methods, while effective, are limited by factors such as donor site morbidity, immunogenicity, and inconsistent osteogenic potential. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as a promising alternative due to their capacity for osteogenic differentiation and immunomodulation. Despite rapid advancements, clinical translation remains hindered by variability in cell source, processing protocols, and outcome measures. This scoping review aims to systematically map current clinical applications of MSC-based bone regeneration using bone marrow, iliac crest, or adipose tissue specifically for dental implant site preparation. Methods: Following the Arksey and O’Malley framework and JBI Manual for Scoping Reviews, this study adheres to PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Eligible studies will include clinical trials and observational studies evaluating stem cell-based augmentation techniques in human patients undergoing maxillary or mandibular bone regeneration for implant placement. A comprehensive literature search across MEDLINE, EBSCO, and CENTRAL will be supplemented by manual reference screening and expert consultation. Two independent reviewers will conduct study selection and data extraction, focusing on patient characteristics, cell source and processing methods, surgical application, outcomes, and safety profiles. Expected results: The results will provide a structured synthesis of current evidence, highlight key methodological trends and gaps, and support clinicians and researchers in navigating the complex landscape of regenerative strategies in implant dentistry.