Perhaps one of the most significant consequences of untreated periodontal disease is loss of function of the teeth as well as tooth loss. Venice Periodontics and Implant Dentistry encourages all patients, no matter what stage of periodontal disease, to seek evaluation and treatment. Modern techniques in periodontics and implant dentistry offer advanced treatment options that can restore the function of your teeth and mouth and help to prevent the loss of your natural teeth.
The health of the jawbone is hinged on the proper function of your teeth and mouth. Chewing and biting stimulate the jawbone, helping to preserve the bone cells so that the teeth have a secure foundation. In the same way, missing teeth cause the jawbone to atrophy, shrink and resorb. As periodontal disease progresses, harmful bacteria can damage the periodontal ligaments (which work to secure teeth to bone) and the jawbone, known as the alveolar bone. The most common cause of bone loss is tooth loss, especially when several teeth are missing in one area.
Traditionally, gum disease can be treated by thoroughly cleaning the pockets and smoothing the bone under the gums to discourage the colonization of harmful bacteria. However, in some instances, the soft and hard tissue may need to be regenerated to stabilize loose teeth and/or prepare the bone to support a dental implant. Depending on the stage of periodontal disease, Dr. Lisa Turner may recommend a procedure known as guided tissue regeneration.
Benefits of Guided Tissue Regeneration
The guided tissue and bone regeneration procedure has many benefits for patients with significant periodontal disease and bone loss, including:
- Promoting bone and tissue regeneration by stimulating the body’s natural ability to grow and form bone and soft tissue
- Preserving natural teeth by rebuilding bone and gingival tissue around the teeth to create a strong, stable and protective foundation
- Minimally invasive procedure that can sometimes be used as an alternative to bone grafting
- Improving the natural appearance of your smile by creating and maintaining jawbone structure and preserving natural teeth or restorations
- Preparing the jawbone for dental implants by creating an adequate and sufficient bone and tissue structure with which to support implants, as well as increasing the longevity of implant therapy
What To Expect
Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) and guided bone regeneration (GBR) are periodontal surgical techniques that utilize special membranes, known as barrier membranes, that encourage the body to grow new bone and gingival tissue in areas where the jawbone is deteriorated. This surgical technique allows your periodontist to guide or direct the growth in a highly predictable manner to ensure successful outcomes. The biocompatible membrane is placed between the soft tissue and the pocket in the bone. Over time, the membrane stimulates the growth of new tissue and is slowly reabsorbed into the body.
Once the membrane is placed, the body responds by forming a blood clot in the area over the graft which contains growth hormones that are essential in the healing process. As the clot is reabsorbed into the body, a new network of healthy blood vessels, bone tissue and gingival tissue remains to become a stable support for the teeth or future implants.
At Venice Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we use the latest technology available, such as cone beam CT scan, or CBCT, to determine if guided tissue and bone regeneration is right for you. This technology allows us to assess the size, shape and extent of any bone loss that has occurred and to predict the outcome of the guided tissue and bone regeneration procedure with more accuracy.
After the guided tissue and bone regeneration procedure, healing can take four to six months. After healing is complete, your bone and gum tissue will be strong and stable for the purpose of placing an implant. The postoperative care instructions will be given to you after the procedure and if you have any questions, please call Venice Periodontics and Implant Dentistry at (941) 497-5591.
