An Update Regarding the Use of Contemporary Dental Materials in Periodontal Regeneration
Dragoș Ioan Virvescu, Ovidiu Nicolaiciuc, Gabriel Rotundu, Florinel Cosmin Bida, Oana Butnaru, Zinovia Surlari, Mihaela Scurtu, Dana Gabriela Budală, Ionuț Luchian
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Periodontal regeneration has become a focal point in modern dental therapy, aiming to restore the form and function of lost periodontal structures. A literature search was conducted on the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, focusing on studies published between 2000 and 2025 that addressed the clinical use of dental biomaterials in periodontal regeneration. Emphasis was placed on the use of bone grafts, guided tissue regeneration (GTR) membranes, enamel matrix derivatives, scaffolds, growth factors, and stem cell-based technologies. The review also outlines the limitations of current strategies, including unpredictable clinical responses, the rapid degradation of bioactive components, and variability in healing. Emerging directions, such as nanotechnology, gene-activated matrices, and 3D-printed scaffolds, are highlighted for their potential to improve predictability and personalization in periodontal therapy. This synthesis underscores both the progress and ongoing challenges in the field, emphasizing the need for continued research into material innovation and patient-specific solutions.