Guided Bone & Tissue Regeneration

Sometimes gum disease has to be treated by eliminating the deep gum pockets by trimming away the infected gum tissue and by re-contouring the uneven bone tissue. This is an effective way of treating gum disease. When bone is lost in an even and horizontal way gum tissue will typically follow. Sometimes gum tissue does not follow and the excess tissue can create deep periodontal pocketing and infection. We can perform periodontal gingival flap surgery to remove the excess infected tissue so you can easily clean the area and periodontal pockets will be reduced. Sometimes you can completely lose bone between the roots of your teeth. When this happens we can reduce the gum tissue around this area so you are able to clean between the roots to prevent cavities and infection.

As periodontal disease progresses, pockets of degenerated bone develop in the jaw. These pockets can promote the growth of bacteria and the spread of infection. To address these pockets, Dr. Harper may recommend osseous surgery. During this surgical procedure, the pockets are cleaned thoroughly, and “craters” and uneven edges in the bone are smoothed so bone can regrow in these areas and prevent further infection. A membrane is installed between the soft tissue and the pocket in the 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.

The effectiveness of the procedure generally depends on the patient’s willingness to follow a strict postoperative diet and careful oral care. Dr. Harper will help you determine if bone regeneration surgery is right for you.

One of these advancements is guided bone regeneration, also referred to as guided tissue regeneration. This procedure is used to stabilize endangered teeth or to prepare the jaw for dental implants.