Abstract
The field of periodontal regeneration focuses on restoring the form and function of periodontal tissues compromised due to diseases affecting the supporting structures of teeth. Biomaterials have emerged as a vital component in periodontal regenerative therapy, offering a variety of properties that enhance cellular interactions, promote healing, and support tissue reconstruction. This review explores current advances in biomaterials for periodontal regeneration, including ceramics, polymers, and composite scaffolds, and their integration with biological agents like growth factors and stem cells. Specifically, biomaterials such as hydroxyapatite and bioactive glass provide scaffolding for cellular adhesion and proliferation, while synthetic and natural polymers offer flexibility and biocompatibility. Growth factors and bone morphogenic proteins (BMP) further support cell differentiation and tissue formation, enhancing clinical outcomes in periodontal defect repair. Moreover, stem cell integration with biomaterials, particularly the periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), shows promise for complex tissue regeneration by stimulating targeted healing responses in periodontal tissue. Although clinical results are encouraging, challenges related to the selection of optimal biocompatible and bioactive materials and standardization of clinical protocols remain. This review examines the potential, limitations, and future directions for biomaterial-based strategies, highlighting the evolving role of these materials in achieving predictable and effective periodontal regeneration.