Guided Tissue Regeneration

Gum disease has traditionally been treated through eliminating the gum pockets. This is achieved by trimming away the infected gum tissue and by re-contouring the uneven bone tissue. Although this is still an effective way of treating gum disease, new and more sophisticated procedures are used routinely today. One of these advancements is guided tissue regeneration. This procedure is used to rebuild lost bone around endangered teeth in hope of regenerating the lost attachment.

As periodontal disease progresses, pockets of degenerated bone develop in the jaw. These pockets can promote the growth of bacteria and the spread of infection. To address these pockets, tissue regeneration may be recommended.

During this surgical procedure, the pockets are cleaned thoroughly, bone grafting material is placed  in the defect, and the area is covered with a membrane placed between the soft tissue and the bone. Some of these membranes are bioabsorbable while others require removal. The membrane covers the pocket so that fast-growing soft tissue is blocked, and slower-growing bone can begin to grow, or “regenerate” itself.

The effectiveness of the procedure generally depends on the patient’s willingness to follow a strict postoperative diet and careful oral care. We will help you determine if bone regeneration surgery is right for you.