Parathyroid hormone is an endogenous hormone with potent anabolic and catabolic actions in bone. It has recently been approved for the treatment of osteoporosis and is marketed as FORTEO by Eli Lilly and Company. Numerous studies in humans have validated its use to increase bone mineral density and prevent fractures. Interest has also surfaced in its potential application in the treatment of non-osteoporotic fractures and several animal studies have supported this local application. Little is known regarding its use in treating conditions of the oral cavity, but animal studies suggest that bones of the oral cavity are responsive to the anabolic actions of PTH. Furthermore, a recent study indicated that in a canine model, PTH was effective at reversing periodontal bone loss. Studies from our laboratory indicate that patients with hyperparathyroidism (HPT) do not have an increase in periodontal disease as measured by attachment levels. In fact, in our patient population there was an increase in osseous activity in patients with HPT in the form of tori and exostoses (bony protuberances in the oral cavity). This suggests that increased circulating levels of PTH do not adversely impact the oral cavity. Furthermore, in a wound healing animal model of bone regeneration, we found that regenerating intramembranous bone was more responsive to anabolic actions of PTH than endogenous bone of the vertebrae. These studies highlight the potential for PTH to positively impact osseous healing in the oral cavity in response to periodontal therapy.