Periodontal regeneration attributes to a complete recovery of the periodontal tissues in both height and function, that is, the formation of alveolar bone, a new connective attachment through collagen fibers functionally oriented on the newly formed cementum. Regeneration of the periodontal tissues is a complex phenomenon requiring interplay between various processes in a timely manner. Healing of the periodontal tissues is a complex phenomenon as it is permanently contaminated and is under a significant bacterial load. Added to this complexity are the occlusal forces on the tooth complex in the transverse and the axial planes which affect the stability of the healing wound. Complete regenerationis still considered a difficult and often resulted in incomplete regeneration. Tissue engineering has emerged as an alternative approach for the regeneration of periodontal tissues damaged by disease or trauma. This review article provides an insight into the principles and application of tissue engineering in treating periodontal diseases.
