Scaffolds in periodontal regeneration- A brief review

The periodontium constitutes the supportive framework of a tooth, comprising the integration of the periodontal ligament, cementum, gingiva, and alveolar bone. The periodontium's health is compromised by the infiltration of bacteria due to local or systemic factors. Untreated periodontal disease can lead to the loss of attachment and eventual tooth loss, necessitating effective therapy. Tissue engineering is a multidisciplinary approach that combines engineering techniques with life sciences principles to generate biological substitutes for damaged tissues, aiming to restore, maintain, or enhance their function. In recent years, various scaffolding technologies have emerged, transitioning from monophasic to multi-phasic/bioactive scaffold systems, with the goal of three-dimensional regeneration of periodontal tissue rather than mere promotion of healing. This review discusses tissue engineering principles, materials, and recent advancements in scaffold design for periodontal tissue regeneration, along with their efficacy tested both in vitro and in vivo.