Artificial Bone substitutes in periodontal and dental implant therapy

Objectives: Numerous bone grafts of varying origins are available for use in periodontal regenerative therapy and guided bone regeneration used in conjunction with dental implant therapy. A critical analysis is presented based on existing evidence and the authors' experience about the utility and success of these biomaterials in the above mentioned treatments.
Methods: A pubmed search was carried out to identify recent articels (less than five years old) published about different types of bone substitutes used for periodontal regeneration and dental implant therapy. Clinical cases carried out in the authors’ private and institutional practice incorporating different biomaterials were critically assessed and the results are presented as a short presentation.
Results: Based on the published literature and the authors’ personal experience, it was evident that the different biomaterials used as artificial bone substitutes for periodontal regeneration and dental implant therapy produce similar results.
Conclusions: The different artificial bone substitutes used in periodontal regeneration and dental implant therapy seem to produce comparable results. The origin and source of these bone grafts may not be the only factor responsible for the differences in outcome. These variations may be attributed to other factors, including the choice of the surgical technique, use of occlusive barrier membrane and patient compliance.