Biomaterial Scaffolds for Periodontal Tissue Engineering

Abstract

Advanced periodontitis poses a significant threat to oral health, causing extensive damage and loss of both hard and soft periodontal tissues. While traditional therapies such as scaling and root planing can effectively halt the disease’s progression, they often fail to fully restore the original architecture and function of periodontal tissues due to the limited capacity for spontaneous regeneration. To address this challenge, periodontal tissue engineering has emerged as a promising approach. This technology centers on the utilization of biomaterial scaffolds, which function as three-dimensional (3D) templates or frameworks, supporting and guiding the regeneration of periodontal tissues, including the periodontal ligament, cementum, alveolar bone, and gingival tissue. These scaffolds mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM) of native periodontal tissues, aiming to foster cell attachment, proliferation, differentiation, and, ultimately, the formation of new, functional periodontal structures. Despite the inherent challenges associated with preclinical testing, the intensification of research on biomaterial scaffolds, coupled with the continuous advancement of fabrication technology, leads us to anticipate a significant expansion in their application for periodontal tissue regeneration. This review comprehensively covers the recent advancements in biomaterial scaffolds engineered specifically for periodontal tissue regeneration, aiming to provide insights into the current state of the field and potential directions for future research.