[Focus on osseous allografts in periodontal therapy]

This review of the literature emphasizes the following points: Bone allografts in periodontology seem to have an osteogenic potential comparable to that of autografts; Taking of a graft on the patient is avoided, but it is necessary to resort to a bone bank for the preparation (lyophyllized bone) or the preservation (bone preserved at low temperatures) of the graft material; The clinician has available an amount of material enabling to treat all types of lesions; The role of bone grafts in healing phenomena is still controversial. For some, it promotes bone neoformation and the formation of new attachments. For others, it encourages ankylosis which is only avoided by interposition of a long junctional epithelium. The research in progress should specify the influence of bone allografts on regeneration of the periodontium.