Biochemical Approach to Dental Diseases

The major change in the biochemical constituents of the connective tissue during dental diseases especially during pulpitis, gingivitis and periodontitis is the loss of collagens due to degradation. There are at least four different mechanisms by which the extracellular matrix can be degraded. These include the release of enzymes by host and bacterial cells, phagocytosis of matrix components, release of reactive oxygen species and the release of a wide range of cytokines, inflammatory mediators and apoptotic proteins that influence enzymes connected with matrix components. The elevated levels of these molecules and enzymes ultimately reflect the degree of the dental inflammations, as a result signifying that the host derived molecules can take part in the progression of periodontal and peri-implant inflammatory diseases. Researchers studying the proteins involved in cell defense system will have the chance of directing treatment.