The Role Of Enamel Matrix Protein Derivatives In Periodontal Tissue Regenetation: Revisited

Periodontitis is a chronic destructive inflammatory disease of the supporting tissues of the teeth which ultimately results in tooth loss if left untreated. Generally therapeutic approaches for treating periodontitis generally fall into two major categories, ie one to halt the progression of periodontal attachment loss, and the one designed to regenerate or reconstruct lost periodontal tissues. To achieve this ideal regeneration various surgical procedures involving root conditioning, autografts, allografts, xenografts and/or barrier membranes for guided tissue regeneration have been shown to contribute to a successful regenerative outcome. Despite several histologic evidence of regeneration in humans complete and predictable regeneration is a goal that is still difficult to attain. In the past few decades, investigators have increased their efforts to seek procedures and materials promoting periodontal regeneration. In the past few years, growth and differentiation factors have been shown to enhance the regenerative process. Hence an alternative approach based on embryonic tooth formation using enamel matrix protein derivatives was introduced which was used for obtaining periodontal regeneration. Hence the aim of this article is to review the role of enamel matrix protein derivatives in periodontal regeneration.