Tissue engineering in periodontics and implantology using rhBMP-2

Regenerative procedures using barrier membrane technology are presently well established in periodontology and implantology. Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR) and Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR) are based on the premise that barrier membrane materials will promote selective cell re-population and subsequent reconstitution of the periodontal attachment apparatus as well as bone. However, because the predictability of these techniques can be variable, the application of this technology may frequently be restricted to specific case types. There has been increasing interest in the possibility of pharmacologically enhancing regeneration of periodontal and osseous tissues, thereby ultimately providing a more significant and predictable clinical outcome. Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs) have been isolated, cloned and evaluated in various pre-clinical and clinical models. The results of recent studies involving regeneration of alveolar bone in conjunction with implant therapy and regeneration of PDL attachment with BMPs have been very encouraging. In particular, rhBMP-2 has been shown to promote a degree of osseous and periodontal repair which is significantly greater than that previously seen with conventional GTR/GBR therapies and/or the use of various osseous grafting materials.