Regenerating bone and tissue lost to periodontal disease: ADA’s breakthrough research explained
A groundbreaking collaboration between the American Dental Association (ADA) and Brigham and Women’s Hospital is advancing the science of bone and tissue regeneration in patients with severe periodontal disease — a condition that affects more than 1 billion people worldwide.
The research focuses on developing 3D-printed bone graft materials infused with inflammation-resolving compounds to enhance natural healing and restore oral structures lost to disease. The project could change the way clinicians approach tooth preservation and periodontal surgery, offering a faster and more effective alternative to traditional grafting methods.
“The ultimate goal is to treat or control periodontal disease,” said Dr. Thomas Van Dyke, vice-president of clinical and translational research at ADA Forsyth. “We can save teeth and restore lost tissue with customized bone grafts that regenerate tissue quickly and effectively.”
How does the new bone regeneration technique work?
The ADA-led team is using specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) — naturally occurring molecules in the body that actively resolve inflammation. These are embedded directly into 3D-printed grafts, which are then implanted at bone loss sites. The SPMs do two important things:
- Suppress harmful inflammation, allowing uninterrupted healing
- Promote natural bone regeneration in the jaw
This strategy is designed to overcome one of the biggest challenges in periodontal surgery: the unpredictable success of bone grafts.
“It doesn’t work very well, and there is significant room for improvement,” said Dr. Van Dyke. “With this new approach, we think we can make bone grafts work all the time.”
The inflammation-resolving molecules were first discovered by Dr. Charles Serhan, who co-leads the project with Dr. Van Dyke. The two scientists have collaborated for over two decades on developing SPMs to treat both oral and systemic diseases.
Global burden of periodontal disease
According to the World Health Organization, periodontal disease is one of the most prevalent chronic conditions globally:
- Affects 19% of the global adult population
- More than 7% of people over age 20 have lost all their teeth
- In people aged 60 and above, complete tooth loss prevalence rises to 23%
This project has the potential to drastically reduce the long-term effects of severe periodontitis by offering a bioengineered, patient-friendly solution.
What this means for patients
For patients with moderate to severe gum disease, tooth loss and bone deterioration are not inevitable. With regenerative techniques like those in development by the ADA and Brigham team, it may soon be possible to:
- Save more natural teeth
- Reduce invasive surgeries
- Accelerate healing and improve outcomes
- Manage periodontal disease more predictably
This research could signal a shift from tooth extraction and replacement to natural restoration, empowering both patients and dentists with new options.
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