What is Guided Tissue Regeneration?

The Overview

Guided Tissue Regeneration resolves issues with:

  • Bone Atrophy
  • Shifting Teeth
  • Changing Facial Aesthetics

Guided tissue regeneration saves compromised teeth by rebuilding the foundation of bone, gum, and ligament support lost to gum disease.

Both gum tissue and jawbones regenerate after trauma, but gum tissues regenerate more quickly than bone. (Think like the turtle and the rabbit analogy.)

After tooth extraction, a membrane is placed over the slow-growing bone and bone graft. This separates the gum tissue from the bone and allows the jawbone to regenerate on its own. 

Without the membrane, gum tissue will fill the cavity, and the jawbone will not regenerate.

A solid and stable jawbone is needed to prevent the remaining teeth from shifting and the lower part of the patient’s face from shrinking inward.  Additionally, dental implants cannot be used to fill a cavity because they require a jawbone for anchoring.

The Overview

Guided Tissue Regeneration resolves issues with:

  • Bone Atrophy
  • Shifting Teeth
  • Changing Facial Aesthetics

Guided tissue regeneration saves compromised teeth by rebuilding the foundation of bone, gum, and ligament support lost to gum disease.

Both gum tissue and jawbones regenerate after trauma, but gum tissues regenerate more quickly than bone. (Think like the turtle and the rabbit analogy.)

After tooth extraction, a membrane is placed over the slow-growing bone and bone graft. This separates the gum tissue from the bone and allows the jawbone to regenerate on its own. 

Without the membrane, gum tissue will fill the cavity, and the jawbone will not regenerate.

A solid and stable jawbone is needed to prevent the remaining teeth from shifting and the lower part of the patient’s face from shrinking inward.  Additionally, dental implants cannot be used to fill a cavity because they require a jawbone for anchoring.

Guided Tissue Regeneration Illustration of membrane placement between gum tissue and bone.

How Guided Tissue Regeneration Works

The Details

Treatment

A membrane is placed between the gum tissue and the underlying bone defect.

While two types of membrane are available, Dr. Dalton uses a resorbable membrane made from biocompatible materials such as collagen. These materials dissolve over a few months, eliminating the need for a second surgery to remove them.

Recovery

The initial recovery period for soft tissue healing is 1-2 weeks.

In the first 24-48 hours, use ice packs to reduce swelling, take OTC pain relievers for soreness, and take prescribed antibiotics as directed. Avoid any strenuous physical activity.

Stick to a soft-foods diet, chew on the opposite side of your mouth, and avoid alcohol, tobacco, and drinking through straws.

Avoid brushing directly on the surgical site and do not floss or water floss near the treated area for several weeks.

Full bone generation takes 4-6 months.

Advantages

  • Promotes Bone and Tissue Regrowth.
  • Preserves Natural Teeth.
  • Prepares for Dental Implants.
  • Improves Facial Aesthetics.

The Details

Treatment

A membrane is placed between the gum tissue and the underlying bone defect.

While two types of membrane are available, Dr. Dalton uses a resorbable membrane made from biocompatible materials such as collagen. These materials dissolve over a few months, eliminating the need for a second surgery to remove them.

Recovery

The initial recovery period for soft tissue healing is 1-2 weeks.

In the first 24-48 hours, use ice packs to reduce swelling, take OTC pain relievers for soreness, and take prescribed antibiotics as directed. Avoid any strenuous physical activity.

Stick to a soft-foods diet, chew on the opposite side of your mouth, and avoid alcohol, tobacco, and drinking through straws.

Avoid brushing directly on the surgical site and do not floss or water floss near the treated area for several weeks.

Full bone generation takes 4-6 months.

Advantages

  • Promotes Bone and Tissue Regrowth.
  • Preserves Natural Teeth.
  • Prepares for Dental Implants.
  • Improves Facial Aesthetics.

Guided Tissue Regeneration in Tampa

The Takeaway

Guided tissue regeneration is a periodontal surgical procedure.

During the procedure, a membrane is placed over the slow-growing bone and bone graft. This separates the gum tissue from the bone and allows the jawbone to regenerate on its own.

Initial recovery takes 1-2 weeks, with full bone regeneration in 4-6 months.

Dr. Hilary Dalton is a board-certified periodontist and implant surgeon in Tampa and has been performing guided tissue regeneration on patients for over 20 years.

Dr. Dalton Says

“Guided tissue regeneration is a foundational treatment. It’s about creating a healthy environment for bone and gum tissue to properly regenerate. Once completed, your gums and jawbone are able to regenerate around your teeth.
“The more clinical the attachment around the tooth is (i.e., gum and bone), the longer life span of the tooth in your mouth. Only after establishing a healthy mouth can you be ready for cosmetic treatments that transform your smile.”

The Takeaway

Guided tissue regeneration is a periodontal surgical procedure.

During the procedure, a membrane is placed over the slow-growing bone and bone graft. This separates the gum tissue from the bone and allows the jawbone to regenerate on its own.

Initial recovery takes 1-2 weeks, with full bone regeneration in 4-6 months.

Dr. Hilary Dalton is a board-certified periodontist and implant surgeon in Tampa and has been performing guided tissue regeneration on patients for over 20 years.

Dr. Dalton Says

“Guided tissue regeneration is a foundational treatment. It’s about creating a healthy environment for bone and gum tissue to properly regenerate. Once completed, your gums and jawbone are able to regenerate around your teeth.
“The more clinical the attachment around the tooth is (i.e., gum and bone), the longer life span of the tooth in your mouth. Only after establishing a healthy mouth can you be ready for cosmetic treatments that transform your smile.”

Guided Tissue Regeneration Learning Center

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