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

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.