For many of our patients, guided tissue regeneration makes the difference when it comes to saving their teeth or experiencing further tooth loss. The following information explains what is involved in this process.Defining Guided Tissue Regeneration or GTR
Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) is a regenerative procedure used to stimulate the growth of new bone. By using this procedure, we can increase the bone’s height around a tooth, which, in turn, gives a tooth more support, and adds to the amount of attachment around a tooth root. Even if you receive 50% of the lost bone’s height, you can extend the life of a tooth.
How GTR Works
GTR is a method that is used to repair periodontal flaws, so any affected teeth have more stability and support. When periodontal disease (or advanced gum disease) affects the gums and teeth, a breakdown of the soft and hard tissues of the teeth happens. In turn, gaps develop between the bone and teeth. The bony defects around the teeth often require the use of bone grafts for regeneration. GTR uses artificial membranes to keep the soft tissue from growing into the flawed sites. The membrane is employed to help bone-producing cells to grow before the soft tissue can take hold. When a GTR is done, surgery is performed on the bone and gum, with the gum, at the site, opened by flap surgery. Cutting a flap in the gum allows us to clean the area beneath the gum of bacterial deposits. A membrane is then placed, either with or without a bone grafting material, to stimulate the growth of the damaged bone.
While the above process sounds complicated it allows our patients to retain their smiles and improve their prospects for healthier gums and teeth. If you would like further details about GTR, simply contact us by phone today. We can set up a consultation and a full-scale examination to assess your exact periodontal needs.
