Guided Tissue Regeneration

At the Oatlands Referral Centre we carry out guided tissue regeneration and guided bone regeneration to repair serious damage to the teeth and gums.

This process uses barrier membranes to direct the growth of new bone and gingival tissues in areas where there is not enough of such tissue. It improves the aesthetic appearance of the teeth as well as restoring proper function by improving the support for the teeth.

Both procedures are similar but guided bone regeneration focuses more on the production of hard tissue so can give foundations for dental implant work and prevent further tooth loss. We will not carry out the treatment until any gum disease has been eradicated or is at least under control.

What does the GTR process entail?

At the beginning of the process, we completely clean the infected area and place a membrane between the soft tissue and the pocket in the bone. This membrane prevents soft tissue from filling the pocket so that the new bone can enter it instead and, once the process is complete, is either removed or naturally is absorbed into the body. We use X-rays to monitor bone growth.

The new replacement bone can take a while to grow and during this time it is vital that patients take good care of their teeth so we take our time to explain the correct aftercare procedure to patients. Positive oral hygiene habits are crucial, for long-term success, hence a thorough consultation and discussion of treatment makes our patients committed to taking care of their teeth and attending follow-up appointments.