Regenerative Periodontal Surgery
Surgical procedures aimed at restoring lost periodontal supporting structures—including alveolar bone, cementum, and periodontal ligament—to their original architecture.
Full Definition
Regenerative periodontal surgery encompasses a range of techniques that attempt to biologically reconstruct the periodontium destroyed by disease, rather than merely eliminating pockets through resection. Approaches include the use of bone grafts, guided tissue regeneration membranes, enamel matrix derivatives, and growth factors. Editors must distinguish regenerative surgery from resective surgery, which removes tissue to achieve pocket elimination without attempting structural restoration. The term 'regeneration' is preferred over 'repair', as repair implies healing by scar tissue rather than true reconstruction of the original attachment apparatus. Authors sometimes conflate regeneration with augmentation; these are not equivalent concepts.
Usage
Usage note: Do not use 'repair' as a synonym; in periodontal science, repair and regeneration denote histologically distinct healing outcomes.
In Context
- "Regenerative periodontal surgery was selected over resective techniques given the patient's young age and the presence of deep three-wall intrabony defects." — Surgical treatment plan
- "The author incorrectly used 'repair' where 'regeneration' was intended; in periodontics these terms carry distinct histological meanings." — Manuscript review annotation