Hyaluronan and its potential role in periodontal healing.

Hyaluronan is a natural tissue component, which plays a vital role in the functioning of extracellular matrices, including those of the periodontium. This molecule is also important in relation to the mechanisms associated with inflammation and wound healing. The application of exogenous hyaluronan and hyaluronan-based biomaterials has been successful in manipulating and accelerating the wound healing process in a number of medical disciplines, as evident in ophthalmology, dermatology and rheumatology. It is conceivable that hyaluronan administration to periodontal sites could achieve comparable beneficial effects in periodontal healing and surgery, hence aiding treatment of periodontal disease.