Extracellular matrix: A regenerative conduit in dentistry

Abstract

Periodontal disease causes tooth loss by destroying the attachment system and tooth supporting tissues. Periodontal therapy seeks to not only halt the advancement of periodontal disease, but also to repair lost structures caused by disease progression. Extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex three-dimensional network made up of an array of multidomain macromolecules organised in a cell/tissue-specific manner that serves as a structural scaffold in the formation of supramolecular assemblies in tissue architecture that regulate cell growth and differentiation, thereby providing a suitable biochemical and biomechanical microenvironment for regeneration of lost tissue structures. This article's goal is to provide a simplified and concise understanding of the structure and components of ECM, as well as to shed light on its utility as a regenerative conduit in the field of periodontal regeneration.