BONE GRAFTS

Bone grafts such as allografts alone or in combination with membranes have shown to be efficacious in the treatment of periodontal osseous lesions. The mean reconstruction of the periodontal unit appears to be in the mean range of 3 to 4 mm regardless of the type of therapy. The ultimate goal of periodontal therapy is a complete reversal of the disease process with complete regeneration of the periodontium and additional stimuli to enhance the regenerative process are clearly needed. Polypeptide growth factors may be a partial solution and current research in this direction is very promising. However, many questions and years of research remain before the ultimate goal may be realized