Future Strategies of Gene Therapy for Preventing Periodontal Diseases

Abstract

In periodontics, gene therapy has been used as a technique for tissue engineering. The tissue engineering approach can assist in the restoration of injured periodontium, including cementum, gingiva, periodontal ligament, and bone, by combining four components: scaffold, signalling molecules, cells, and blood supply. Since almost 50 years ago, the idea of transferring genes to tissues for clinical purposes has been addressed. Recombinant DNA technology has exponentially improved our ability to alter a cell's genetic code, which has advanced this objective. The initial idea that gene therapy should only be taken into account for a selectively few major organs as a means of treating life-threatening illnesses that are resistant to conventional treatment has changed. Several non-life-threatening illnesses that have a negative impact on a patient's quality of life lack viable therapies. Morbidity has been made possible by the absence of effective treatments, providing a justification for broadening the application of gene therapy. In the last few years, gene therapy has made impressive advancements. Gene therapy will have a major and widespread impact on fields dependent on biological research, even while significant issues prevent its frequent clinical usage. This review's objective is to assess the advancements made in addressing gene transfer strategies for treating various dental-related illnesses and issues.