For many decades, periodontists have been intensely interested in regeneration tooth-supporting tissue destroyed by periodontal diseases. A lot of studies are performed to test pharmacologic agents, devices and biologicals which are intended to alter normal wound healing of periodontal flap procedures so as to result in regeneration. The major problem with clinical outcome measures is that they are unreliable in distinguishing between repair and regeneration. Controlled histological studies in humans are difficult because they require the retrieval of tissue blocks containing the teeth and their surrounding tissues, and for this reason these studies have largely been done in animal models. It is important to choose a laboratory animal model that has similar characteristics of human anatomy and periodontal diseases. This article reviews several animal models currently used.