Guided Bone Regeneration (GTR): Expanding the Scope of Tissue Engineering in Periodentistry 

Teeth are secured in place with gums, bone, and other tissues. Unfortunately, gum disease can damage teeth-supporting structures, compromising overall health. Doctors have traditionally treated advanced gum disease by removing the infected gum tissues and re-contouring the bone. Although this works, newer and more advanced treatments have emerged, leading to better outcomes. 

The Periodontal Center of Georgia offers guided tissue regeneration (GTR) with PRF to save your smile from advanced periodontal disease. Drs. Jean-Max Jean-Pierre and Robert Creager administer tissue regeneration to protect existing teeth by regenerating the lost bone and gum tissues around your teeth.

What is Guided Tissue Regeneration?

GTR is a periodontal procedure used to repair periodontal defects around a tooth or several teeth to provide stability. Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) breaks down the gum and bone tissues around the tooth, causing deep pockets in the bone. These bony defects often need a bone graft (harvested from your body, human donors, and animals) to encourage new bone formation to repair the damage.

GTR uses a resorbable membrane to contain and stabilize the graft during healing. The membrane prevents the fast-growing soft tissues from growing into the site. This allows the slow-growing bone cells to grow there to maintain the required bone density. Ultimately, the membrane is a natural scaffold to help develop new bone and connective tissues.

Our office uses platelet-rich fibrin (PRF)—a clot-like substance obtained from your blood—to stimulate your body’s natural healing mechanism. PRF speeds up tissue regeneration and reduces post-op complications like pain, swelling, and inflammation.

What should I expect from the guided tissue regeneration procedure?

Before your procedure, we’ll carry out a comprehensive dental exam to ensure any oral health issues are uncovered and treated before the procedure. We’ll take 3D scans of your bone, teeth, soft tissues, nerve pathways, etc., to devise a precise treatment plan where necessary. 

Although the GTR procedure involves surgery, we’ll take the necessary steps to provide a comfortable experience. The doctor will use modern anesthetics and possible sedation dentistry to minimize discomfort during treatment.

The treatment involves opening the gums with a procedure known as a flap. If you have gum disease, the doctor will thoroughly clean the area under the gums to flush all unwanted bacteria. The next step is to place a membrane over the damaged bone. This membrane allows sufficient time for the bone cells to populate and rebuild around the teeth. The GTR membrane can be resorbable or removable later. 

After the procedure, we’ll close the wound with sutures and give you post-op instructions for a smooth recovery. During healing, bone and connective tissues will form around the tooth, giving it optimal support.

Who needs GTR?

f you are healing from periodontitis, our medical team will examine your oral health to determine the need for GTR. Some reasons we may infuse GTR in your treatment plan include:

  • The infection has spread deep into your gums and bone
  • You need dental implant placement
  • You are at risk of tooth loss or have already lost one or more teeth
  • Your implants are infected (peri-implantitis)

Although GTR is an innovative method for restoring oral health, preventing the need for it altogether is preferable. How? Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth religiously. Moreover, visit a dentist every six months to prevent the onset and progression of periodontal disease. 

Do you want to learn more about guided tissue regeneration?

Still have more questions about GTR? It’s okay—we are here to answer every one of them. Please call (770) 767-0603 to speak to our periodontal team.