Applications of xenografts in periodontal regeneration

Periodontitis is a disease with a high prevalence among adults. If not treated, it can lead to loss of teeth. New attachment with periodontal regeneration is the ideal outcome of periodontal therapy since it results in reconstruction of the periodontium. The biological regenerative potential of the periodontium is high, and hence the bone grafts can be utilized to improve the outcome of periodontal therapy. The different bone replacement used in periodontology analyzed in this review are: autograft, allograft, alloplasts and xenografts. There has been a recent increase in interest in using xenografts in periodontal regeneration. Xenograft materials generally are biocompatible and widely accepted. When compared to open flap debridement, treatment of intrabony, furcation defects, sinus lift and socket preservation using xenografts are gaining increasing attention. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the different bone replacement grafts used in periodontal regeneration, methods of bone formation and fabrication of scaffolds. Emphasis is placed on the xenografts; its different sources and also the applications of xenografts used in periodontal regeneration.