Guided Tissue Regeneration : What Is It

Trauma, tooth extractions, periodontal disease, and anatomical deformities are likely to cause tissue deficits with functional and aesthetic complications. Guided tissue regeneration is a technique that leads to the regeneration of lost periodontal tissues in a controlled manner. It is essentially a surgical practice that combines the use of bone grafts with the placement of membranes. The bone grafts fill the gap of the bone deficit by acting as a “scaffold” for the creation of new bone.

Guided Tissue Regeneration : What Are the Types

The types of bone grafts are as follows:

  • Autogenous Graft: This is a graft that is harvested intra-oral and is the most “competent” graft for bone regeneration. It has the necessary architectural structure and osteogenic cells, and the disadvantage is the high morbidity of the donor site.
  • Allogeneic graft: This is a graft of human origin, which has been specially processed. It is completely safe and is the closest possible match to the autologous graft. It is obtained from special banks.
  • Xenograft: this is a graft of bovine origin, which is a skeleton of inorganic elements, all the organics having been removed by special treatment. In this way there is no risk of disease transmission and it is the classic scaffold on which the body repositions its own bone.
  • Synthetic – Alloplastic grafts: Such as calcium carbonate, bioceramics and bio-alloys. These grafts are technically created and are more economical. These implants are more economical and less expensive; however, they are not technically feasible.

The use of membranes is done by placing it over the bone grafts and under the gums, thus creating a closed and protected environment.

Guided Tissue Regeneration : What Factors Determine Treatment Choice

There are a number of factors that determine the choice of treatment and the technique to be used. These are:

  • The general health of the patient
  • The presence of inflammation
  • Smoking
  • Oral hygiene
  • The shape of the bone defect
  • The financial capacity of the patient
  • The size and volume of the gums

The patient should be fully informed of the advantages and disadvantages of each treatment technique before choosing the treatment. Contact us now.