A novel therapeutic strategy for periodontal regeneration of non-contained intrabony defects using autologous micrografts from the palatal mucosa

Palatal micrografts in perio regeneration

Aims: Due to their accessibility and biological features, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from the hard palate mucosa (PMSCs) hold significant promise for periodontal re-generation. This case series investigates the clinical and radiographic efficacy of autologous micrografts (AMGs) enriched in PMSCs for the treatment of non-contained defects in patients with severe periodontitis.

Materials and methods: Five patients presenting with at least one predominantly 1- or 2-wall intra-bony defect requiring periodontal regenerative surgery were consecutively enrolled. A small connective tissue sample was harvested from the palate, mechanically dissociated chair-side, and filtered to obtain AMGs enriched in PMSCs. The selected intrabony defects were filled with a resorbable scaffold seeded with a suspension containing AMGs.

Results: At the 6-month follow-up, a mean clinical attachment gain of 4.8 ± 1.8 mm was observed, along with a residual mean probing depth of 4.2 ± 0.8 mm and a radiographic bone fill of 3.6 ± 4.3 mm Characterization of AMGs was performed in two patients, demonstrating progenitor cells expressing MSC-specific surface markers.

Conclusions: These preliminary findings suggest that AMGs derived from the palatal mucosa may offer a promising approach for the regenerative treatment of intrabony defects with unfavorable architecture.