Nanotechnology in Regenerative Periodontal Therapy: Current Insights and Future Directions

Periodontitis is a biofilm-mediated inflammatory disease characterized by progressive destruction of supporting tissues of the periodontal region, for which traditional regenerative therapies have produced repair rather than true regeneration more often. Nanotechnology thus offers a novel approach by enabling targeted and sustained delivery of antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and osteogenic agents; nano-engineered scaffolds mimic the extracellular matrix. Preclinical investigations have shown promise by using polymeric, metallic, ceramic, and hybrid nanoparticles to improve immunomodulation, angiogenesis, infection control, and regeneration of bone-cementum-PDL. Recent advances in nano composite membranes, smart nano carriers, and stem cell-integrated nano-scaffolds have shown superior regenerative outcomes compared to conventional approaches of guided tissue regeneration. In most cases, maximum successes of the conventional regenerative approaches have only provided tissue repair rather than regeneration of the periodontal areas affected by periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory condition mediated by biofilm. Nanotechnology plays a vital role as this novel approach facilitates the sustained delivery of anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and osteogenic compounds while mimicking the periodontal matrix. Nanoparticles such as polymeric, metallic, ceramic, and hybrid nanoparticles made of these materials have gained much promise of success while treating periodontitis while compared to conventional approaches such as GTR. Recent advances of nano composites, nano carriers, and stem cell-based nano scaffolds have demonstrated much regenerative capability compared to conventional approaches. This review provide insights on nanotechnology in regenerative periodontal therapy and future of the scientific applications of periodontal regeneration.