Receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB（RANK）/receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand（RANKL） play a critical role in alveolar bone resorption though affecting osteoclasts formation and activation, therefore, we can inhibit periodontal bone resorption though RANKL/RANK inhibition. Osteoprotegerin（OPG） protects bone from excessive resorption by binding to RANKL and preventing it from binding to RANK. In this paper, we will review the relationship between RANKL/RANK/OPG signaling pathway and periodontal disease, and we will mainly focus on the possibility of periodontal treatment with RANKL/RANK inhibition.
