What is the purpose of bone grafting in periodontal surgery?

The choice of promoting regeneration of lost periodontal tissues captures the primary purpose of bone grafting in periodontal surgery. Bone grafting serves as a method to reconstruct or replace the missing hard tissue in the alveolar bone, which is often lost due to periodontal disease. By providing a scaffold for new bone formation, bone grafts encourage the healing and regeneration of the surrounding periodontal tissues, including bone, cementum, and periodontal ligaments.

This regenerative process is critical for restoring the structural integrity of the periodontium, thus improving the overall health and function of the teeth and gums. The materials used in bone grafting can be autogenous (from the patient), allogeneic (from a donor), or synthetic, each with the goal of stimulating the host's biological response to promote tissue regeneration.

While enhancing aesthetic outcomes and facilitating dental implant placement are important considerations in periodontal treatment, they are often secondary effects of successful periodontal regeneration achieved through bone grafting. Additionally, preventing tooth extraction might be an indirect outcome of effective tissue regeneration, but the primary focus of bone grafting is the restoration of lost periodontal structures.