Perspectives on regeneration of alveolar bone defects

Bone atrophy of the alveolar process is an important parameter in patients undergoing dental implants. Th ere are several methods for preserving the alveolar process, with the autologous bone graft as the gold standard. Other approaches include the use of allografts, xenografts and synthetic bone grafts. In recent years, the use of stem cells has increased in importance. Th e most common type of stem cells used are mesenchymal stem cells from various sources, including bone marrow, adipose tissue and dental pulp. Th e discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells and the continued research on embryonic stem cells open new possibilities in this fi eld. However, further research is needed to optimise protocols for isolation, diff erentiation and transplantation of cells with or without appropriate scaff olds, and to determine the correct clinical and therapeutic implications.