Title:  Delivery of agents and method for regeneration of periodontal tissues

United States Patent:  6,123,957

Inventors:  Jernberg; Gary R. (2283 Northridge Dr., North Mankato, MN 56003)

Filed:  July 16, 1997

The invention relates to a method of treating periodontal disease and related disorders to regenerate lost tissues, which includes the steps of: combining at least one tissue regenerative agent with at least one cellular recognition agent to form a therapeutic treatment composition and applying the therapeutic treatment composition to a periodontal treatment site. The cellular recognition agent increases the periodontal tissue regeneration at the periodontal treatment site relative to the therapeutic treatment composition lacking the cellular recognition agent. The invention also includes the therapeutic composition.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the compositions and methods providing for the delivery of agents to localized periodontal sites for regeneration of lost periodontal tissues and/or for enhanced cellular migration, differentiation and proliferation to favorably effect accelerated, more complete, and/or maximal healing and periodontal tissue regeneration along the root surface of tooth.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of periodontal regeneration is provided whereby at least one tissue regenerative agent is combined with at least one cellular recognition agent and is applied to a periodontal treatment site. The cellular recognition agent augments, potentiates, and facilitates the action of the tissue regenerative agent, for example, by providing retention of the tissue regenerative agent at the desired periodontal site, or by providing cellular recognition for cell migration, or by enhancing periodontal tissue regeneration.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a therapeutic treatment composition is provided, composed of at least one tissue regenerative agent and at least one cellular recognition agent. This composition results in retention of the tissue regenerative agent at the desired periodontal site and/or cellular recognition for cell migration and/or enhanced periodontal tissue regeneration.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the cellular recognition agent(s) providing for retention of the tissue regenerative agents(s) at the desired periodontal site and/or cellular recognition for cell migration and/or enhanced periodontal tissue regeneration also provides for sustained and/or controlled release of the tissue regenerative agent(s) at the intended periodontal treatment site.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, the tissue regenerative agent(s) is microencapsulated and then combined with the cellular recognition agent(s) providing for retention of the tissue regenerative agent(s) at the desired periodontal site and/or cellular recognition for cell migration and/or enhanced periodontal tissue regeneration with sustained, controlled release of the tissue regenerative agent(s).

In all of the embodiments of the compositions and methods of the present invention, the agent(s) providing for cellular recognition increases the periodontal regeneration of the tissue regenerative agent(s) relative to compositions and methods lacking the cellular recognition agent(s).

These and various other advantages and features of novelty which characterize this invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages, and objectives attained by its use, reference should be made to the drawings which form a further part hereof, and to the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there is illustrated and described preferred embodiments of the invention.

Claim 1 of 12 Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method of treating periodontal disease and related disorders to regenerate lost tissues comprising:

combining a tissue regenerative agent with a cellular recognition agent to form a therapeutic treatment composition in the form of a semi-solid, a paste, a liquid, a gel, or a combination thereof; and

applying the therapeutic treatment composition to a periodontal treatment site by inserting the therapeutic treatment composition into a periodontal defect at the periodontal treatment site solely via a carrying instrument or a syringe, wherein the cellular recognition agent increases the periodontal tissue regeneration at the periodontal treatment site relative to the therapeutic treatment composition lacking the cellular recognition agent.

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