Current Trends

Abstract

At the end of 1984, there is an obvious and increasing trend toward biochemical, physiological, and pathophysiological investigations and away from purely morphological studies in research on the periodontium. Commencing during the early 1970s, this trend has gathered momentum year by year. A great number of recent studies, the results of which have been incorporated into these chapters on the normal periodontium, testify to this development. There are several reasons for this trend, such as:

• 1. It is widely assumed that the developmental and structural aspects of the periodontal tissues are essentially known.

• 2. Ethical requirements and state legislation regulating biomedical research involving human and animal subjects have become increasingly stringent in many countries around the world.

• 2. Ethical requirements and state legislation regulating biomedical research involving human and animal subjects have become increasingly stringent in many countries around the world.

• 3. Since new tools have become available to probe into the dynamics of cell biology, a consequent shift in approach and experimental models in favor of cell and organ culture have enabled many researchers to develop a strong interest in studying the behavior of cells and tissues in vitro.

• 4. With the idea of periodontal prophylaxis gaining ground, healing and regenerative processes in the periodontium have acquired great importance.

• 5. As the main interest is in disease and its pathogenesis, investigations on the normal, healthy tissues are often regarded as merely serving control group purposes.