Mechanisms of new attachment formation

A goal of periodontal therapy is predictable regeneration of a periodontium at the site of a previous marginal periodontitis. Current clinical therapeutic techniques result in repair, and not regeneration with formation of a new connective-tissue attachment. Investigations have shown that surface demineralization of dentin predisposes toward a new connective-tissue attachment, and this attachment may take place in an environment lacking periodontal progenitor cell populations. The role of the root surface is considered regarding inhibition and facilitation of these connective tissue responses.