Application of reactive soft tissue preservation in extraction sockets of periodontitis: recent progress and perspectives

Chronic periodontitis is a prevalent disease; if left untreated, it is a main indication for tooth extraction and can lead to tooth loss. The reactive soft tissue, formed as a result of the immune response to chronic inflammation, is left in the compromised socket. The major concern is how to deal with the residual reactive soft tissue. Conservative thought states that the reactive soft tissue should be completely debrided. In addition, novel practices concerning the reactive soft tissue were proposed in recent trials, which demonstrated that there might be merits for soft and hard tissue regeneration with preservation of the reactive soft tissue. Studies have shown that mesenchymal stem cells exist in inflammatory reactive soft tissue, stressing their potential in tissue regeneration. Although the therapeutic value is highly promising, the specific components of the reactive soft tissue and the standard on whether it should be preserved need further investigation.