[The armamentarium of the periodontologist]

The aim of this article is to describe the products available to the periodontist for the regeneration of bone and periodontal tissues. According to distinct biological mechanisms responsible for their regenerative potential, these products can be classified upon three groups: bone substitutes, membranes and enamel matrix proteins. The rationale for trying to regenerate the periodontium after the initial non-surgical phase of the periodontal treatment is discussed. The indications of these products according to their biological principles are described as well as their limitations. The safety of the products of allogenic origin is discussed.