An introduction to periodontal regeneration

Periodontal therapy can be divided into two main phases: the stage of active treatment; and the phase of supportive periodontal care (maintenance).

The initial stage of active therapy is cause related; this includes oral hygiene education, and supragingival and root surface debridement. The ultimate goal of the initial treatment is the reduction of pathogenic microorganisms from the root surfaces and adjacent tissues, and the subsequent elimination of the inflammation of periodontal tissues (Mombelli et al, 1995). The second phase of active treatment is surgical therapy.

It is important to consider the treatment of the inflammatory response in the periodontium and the treatment of the anatomical defects produced by periodontitis as two distinct entities (Amar, 1996).