Current and future trends in periodontal tissue engineering and bone regeneration

Area of Science:

• Periodontal medicine
• Regenerative dentistry
• Biomaterials science

Background:

• Periodontal tissue engineering and bone regeneration (PTEBR) aims to regenerate periodontal ligament, cementum, and alveolar bone.
• Current methods like guided tissue/bone regeneration have limitations in predictability, especially for larger defects.
• Achieving predictable regeneration requires integrated host tissue interface, biomechanical resilience, and functional restoration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review key advancements in Periodontal Tissue Engineering and Bone Regeneration (PTEBR).
• To discuss current and future trends in preclinical and clinical PTEBR research.
• To evaluate the potential for clinical translatability of novel PTEBR approaches.

Main Methods:

• Narrative review of existing literature on PTEBR.
• Analysis of current clinical practices and their limitations.
• Exploration of emerging technologies including growth factors, scaffolds, cells, and gene therapy.

Main Results:

• Guided tissue/bone regeneration shows success in smaller defects but lacks predictability in complex cases.
• PTEBR strategies utilizing growth factors, scaffolds, cells, and gene therapy offer potential for improved outcomes.
• Significant challenges remain in achieving predictable regeneration and clinical translatability.

Conclusions:

• PTEBR holds promise for enhancing patient care by promoting tissue reconstitution.
• Further research is needed to overcome current limitations and improve the predictability of regenerative outcomes.
• Translating preclinical advancements into predictable clinical applications is a key future direction for PTEBR.