Guided Bone & Tissue Regeneration

What is guided tissue regeneration?

Gum disease has traditionally been treated by eliminating the gum pockets by trimming away the infected gum tissue (gingivectomy) or by re-contouring the uneven bone tissue (osseous surgery). Although these procedures still have their applications, guided bone and tissue regeneration techniques present an attractive alternative where applicable to treat periodontal disease, as well as to prepare toothless areas in the dentition for dental implants.

As periodontal disease progresses, pockets develop between the teeth and gums where the gum’s attachment to the root has been destroyed.  These pockets deepen as the inflammatory process and bacterial toxins destroy the supporting jaw bone.  These pockets prove difficult, if not impossible to clean, thereby promoting bacterial colonization and the spread of infection.

If Dr. Sobhani‘s clinical and x-ray evaluations lead her to suspect that select sites are suitable candidates, he may recommend bone grafting and/or guided tissue regeneration. During this surgical procedure, the affected root surfaces are thoroughly cleaned and detoxified.  A bone graft may be placed into the bone defect, over which a membrane may be secured between the gums and the bone graft and roots. Some membranes are bio-absorbable and some require removal. The membrane covers the bone defect so that fast-growing gum tissue is blocked or excluded, and slower-growing bone can begin to grow, or “regenerate” itself.

The effectiveness of the procedure generally depends on several factors, not least of which is the patient’s willingness to follow a strict postoperative diet and careful oral care. Dr. Sobhani will help you determine if bone regeneration surgery is right for you.