Xenografts in Periodontal Regeneration: A Viable Alternative

Abstract

Periodontal disease is categorized by the destruction of periodontal tissues. Over the years, there have been
several clinical techniques and material options that have been investigated for periodontal defect repair or
regeneration. The development of improved biomaterials for periodontal tissue engineering has significantly
upgraded the available treatment options and their clinical results. Bone replacement graft materials, barrier
membranes, various growth factors and combination of these have been used. Autografts have been used as
the bone graft material of choice since many years. But this type of grafts has many limitations to its use.
In order to overcome its drawbacks, xenografts may be used as a viable alternative. Xenografts also known
as heterologous graft tissues, is obtained from different species, and has been used in various different
periodontal procedures. The characteristic properties of xenografts and the benefits of using it has made this
type of graft to emerge as an appropriate choice for periodontal regeneration. The objective of this article
is to a review xenograft as a bone replacement graft material to be used in periodontal therapy. The source,
mode of bone regeneration and the respective advantages and disadvantages of xenogenic materials have
been discussed in detail.