Root Biomodification in Periodontics - The Changing Concepts

Abstract

Periodontitis is a multifactorial chronic inflammatory disease characterized by destruction of tooth supporting tissues. Repair of the periodontium and the regeneration of periodontal tissues remains a major goal in the treatment of periodontal disease and is an area still in need of major research attention. Periodontal regeneration has come to the forefront of periodontal research and practice. Research regarding periodontal therapy has made it clear that standard treatment techniques do not result in periodontal regeneration. It has become apparent that, if the goal of periodontal regeneration is to be realized, the problem of regeneration needs to be approached from a biological perspective. One important consideration in periodontal regenerative attempts is the root surface which has become exposed to the oral cavity as a result of Periodontitis. In regenerative attempts the root surface functions as one of the wound margins and must provide an appropriate surface for cell attachment and fiber development if regeneration is to occur. Changes in the pathologically exposed root surface are well documented. Varying results from clinical and histological studies have created controversies about the clinical effectiveness of biomodification of root surfaces. This review attempts to provide an insight into the present scenario of root biomodification in clinical conditions along with an overview of related studies.