Biologic modifiers in periodontal regeneration.

The specific objective of this article was to update the reader on biologic modifiers being used or suggested for use in therapies directed at regenerating periodontal tissues. As indicated from the studies presented here, many of these biologic modifiers have significant influences on cell behavior and show great promise for use in regenerative therapies. As discussed here, however, additional investigations are required both at the molecular level and at the clinical level to improve the predictability of regenerative therapies. With active investigations directed toward understanding the biology of the healing site, including identifying appropriate cells to target, coupled with designing delivery systems that can control release of agents at the local site, establishing the required environment for regeneration of periodontal tissues should be feasible.