Guided Bone and Tissue Regeneration

Bone Regeneration

Dental implants and other restorative procedures depend on the jawbone being sufficiently strong and thick.  When periodontal disease has taken hold, the jawbone may have become too thin to successfully support an implant.  Natural bone regeneration (or bone grafting) is one of the best ways to promote growth and thicken the jawbone.

Initially, bone grafting material is obtained from a bone bank or elsewhere in your mouth.  The gums are gently pulled back and an opening is made in the jawbone where the grafting material will be packed in tightly.  A membrane is used to maintain the shape of the new bone, and tissue stimulating proteins and a platelet-rich growth factor may be applied to promote faster healing.  The surgical site will be sutured and packed with protective material.  The bone will naturally regenerate and become strong enough to eventually support an implant.

Gum Tissue Regeneration

Gum tissue regeneration is usually performed by way of gum grafting.  When gum tissue has been lost as a result of periodontal disease, the smile may appear discolored, toothy or unpleasant.  A gum graft aims to symmetrically contour the gum line, cover any exposed tooth roots and restore health to the gums.  Initially, a small strip of tissue will be removed from the roof of the mouth and placed in the middle of a split-thickness incision at the recipient site. 

The surgical site will be covered with a protective membrane which promotes tissue regeneration, covered in platelet-rich growth factor and tissue stimulating proteins and then sutured closed.  The soft tissue surrounding the teeth will naturally regenerate, producing a healthy smile.