Surgical Treatment of Periodontal Diseases—a Review of Current Clinical Research

Purpose of Review: This manuscript reviews the literature concerning the surgical treatment of periodontal diseases focusing on studies published within the last three years (2016–2019). A thorough review of four databases was completed including clinical human research studies and systematic reviews. Recent Findings: Several recent studies have focused on evaluating the effects of combining alloplastic materials with autologous platelet-rich products and growth factors. The results of most of these studies are similar to those with traditionally used allografts. New membranes of human, animal, stem cell, or alloplastic origin, used for guided tissue regeneration procedures, perform similarly to the traditionally used resorbable collagen membranes. Addition of pharmacologic agents to regenerative procedures presents moderately favorable results. Tissue engineering and stem cell research are also expanding, although most of these studies are in vitro or in animal models. Newer minimally invasive surgical techniques and equipment that allow for better visibility and less invasive surgical approach have shown favorable results. Finally, systematic reviews conclude that there is lack of evidence to support LASERs as an alternative to more traditional surgical periodontal treatment. Summary: The focus of many recent human clinical studies has been to evaluate the combination of alloplastic and xenogeneic materials with autologous platelet-rich products, growth factors, and pharmacologic agents. The results of these combinations are similar to traditionally used allografts. The great variability between study design, materials, and techniques highlights the need for well-designed randomized controlled trials and longitudinal studies.