A New Hypothesis of Periodontal Homeostasis

A review of the experimental evidence on marrow inhibition by implanted roots has shown that an inhibitory factor is present in all root surfaces. It is most marked in periodontally diseased roots and least in periodontally healthy roots. It is hypothesized that a “marked” amount would inhibit periodontal cells to the point where they could not resist the destructive effects of plaque, calculus and bacteria. A lesser or “moderate” amount would result in a more resistant periodontium. Finally, little or no inhibitor would also create a periodontium resistant to periodontal destruction but at the same time would remove restraints on the alveolar bone; the result would be invasion of the periodontal space and ankylosis to the root.