ABSTRACT
Scaffolding plays an important role in periodontal tissue engineering as a three-dimensional supportive structure that provides spatiotemporal guidance for cells. Hydroxyapatite is one of the most used materials for scaffolds in the periodontal regenerative field because of its biocompatibility and bioactivity-supporting properties. The recently developed interest in nanotechnology in dentistry includes the production and application of nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) as a biomaterial to enhance the regeneration process. Furthermore, other materials can be combined with nHA to overcome the limitations of their mechanical and biological properties. A literature review was conducted using Science Direct and PubMed. The years of publication were limited to 2010–2021, using “nano-hydroxyapatite,” “periodontal regeneration,” and “scaffold” as search terms. Scaffold-based nHA has been widely studied using in vitro and in vivo models. It can enhance proliferation and adhesion and stimulate differentiation of primary periodontal cells. Combinations of nHA and other materials, such as calcium phosphatase, polymers, and collagen, also showed a positive effect on the regeneration process. These findings are consistent with clinical application reports, as these materials have been shown to result in significant clinical and radiographic improvements due to their osteoinductive and osteoconductive properties. Nano-hydroxyapatite offers many promising mechanical properties and biological responses, as well as good results when applied clinically.
