Regeneration in Periodontics: Collagen-A Review of Its Properties and Applications in Dentistry.

Collagen is the most abundant protein in mammals, also making it the most important component of the body structurally and functionally. Collagen provides cell occlusiveness, biocompatibility, and resorbability. It is chemotactic for regenerative cells and may enhance the migration and attachment of fibroblasts through its space-making ability. Collagen also has the advantage of being a hemostatic agent with weak immunogenicity, easy manipulation, and the ability to augment tissue thickness. Additionally, upon breakdown through the resorption process, its byproducts are utilized by the host to form native tissue. Further, these proteins are elastic and enhance repair, properties that make the material useful for various biomedical applications. This review highlights and discusses some of the important aspects of collagen as a biomaterial in dentistry.