Which type of defects are indicated for periodontal regeneration?

Periodontal regeneration is the process of restoring lost periodontal tissues, including bone, cementum, and periodontal ligament. The type of defect plays a crucial role in determining the success of regenerative techniques.

Three-walled defects are particularly favorable for periodontal regeneration because they provide a stable environment and adequate bony support for the filling material or graft. In a three-walled defect, one side is open to the oral cavity while the other three walls are composed of existing buccal, lingual, and interproximal bone. This configuration helps in guiding the regenerative materials and promotes healing by retaining the graft or other regenerative agents within the defect site, shielding them from the oral environment.

The presence of three walls improves the potential for angiogenesis and may enhance the stability of the regenerating tissue over time, leading to better clinical outcomes. Therefore, they are often considered optimal for interventions like guided tissue regeneration or bone grafting, which aim to rebuild the lost periodontal structures.

Other types of defects, such as those with fewer walls, may not provide the same structural advantages and can be less successful in promoting regeneration due to inadequate support or stability for the regenerative materials.