The root surface and regeneration; present therapeutic limitations and future biologic potentials.

An ultimate goal of periodontal therapy is predictable regeneration of a periodontium at the site of a previous marginal periodontitis. Current clinical therapeutic techniques result in repair, and not regeneration with formation of a new connective tissue attachment. Studies have indicated that surface demineralization of dentin from root surfaces predisposes toward a new connective tissue attachment, and this attachment may take place in an environment lacking periodontal progenitor cell populations. The rôle of the root surface is considered regarding inhibition and facilitation of these various connective tissue responses.