Guided Bone & Tissue Regeneration

Gum disease has traditionally been treated by eliminating the gum pockets by removing infected gum tissue and re-contouring the uneven bone. 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 stabilize endangered teeth or to prepare the jaw for dental implants and other tooth restorations.

As periodontal disease progresses, bone defects develop in the jaw. These defects can result in deep gum pockets and promote the growth of bacteria and infection. To address these pockets, Dr. Nehring or Dr. Terry may recommend guided tissue regeneration. During this surgical procedure, the pockets are cleaned thoroughly, and a membrane is utilized between the soft tissue and the pocket in the bone to encourage regeneration of the lost bone. Some of these membranes are bio-absorbable and some 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.