If you’ve been told you have gum disease or even bone loss, it can feel discouraging. The good news is, it’s not too late to rebuild what’s been lost. Guided tissue regeneration is a treatment that can help your body heal itself—by creating space for new bone and tissue to grow where damage has occurred.
At Advanced Oral Surgery & Periodontics, we use this proven technique to restore strength and support in your gums and jaw. Whether you’re dealing with the effects of periodontal disease or preparing for dental implants—this treatment gives your mouth the best chance at lasting health.
What Is Guided Tissue Regeneration Used For?
Guided tissue regeneration, or GTR, is most often used when gum disease has caused bone or tissue loss. It helps your body rebuild what’s missing by encouraging the natural regrowth of bone and connective tissue.
You may benefit from GTR if you have:
- Deep pockets around your teeth from advanced gum disease
- Bone loss that causes tooth instability
- Not enough bone to support a future dental implant
This treatment can help prevent tooth loss, protect existing teeth, and lay a strong foundation for future restorative work.
How Guided Tissue Regeneration Works
Guided tissue regeneration is all about creating the right environment for healing. During the procedure, we place a small membrane between the gum and the bone. This membrane blocks fast-growing gum tissue from entering the area too quickly. That gives slower-growing bone cells the time and space they need to rebuild properly.
Sometimes we add a bone graft or special growth proteins to support healing. The membrane may dissolve on its own over time, or we may remove it in a follow-up visit depending on the type used.
- Deep pockets around your teeth from advanced gum disease
- Bone loss that causes tooth instability
- Not enough bone to support a future dental implant
The Guided Tissue Regeneration Procedure
Before we begin, we take digital X-rays or scans to evaluate your bone and gum health. Then we create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
On the day of the procedure, we’ll numb the area with local anesthesia or offer sedation if needed. We gently open the gums and clean out any bacteria or infected tissue. Then we place the membrane and any additional materials. Once the area is ready, we reposition the gums and secure them with sutures to protect the site while it heals.
Materials Used in Guided Tissue Regeneration
The type of material we use depends on your situation. Some membranes dissolve naturally as healing progresses. Others stay in place longer and are removed later.
We may also use:
- Bone grafts made from your own tissue or a safe donor source
- Growth factors that speed up the healing process
- Collagen-based materials to support new tissue development
Each part is selected with care to give you the best long-term results.
Recovery and Aftercare
After your procedure, it’s normal to feel some swelling or tenderness. We’ll give you detailed care instructions and may prescribe medication or a special rinse to help with healing.
Stick to soft foods and avoid brushing near the area at first. Let your mouth rest and recover. We’ll schedule follow-ups to check your progress and make sure everything is healing well.
Long-term, keeping your gums healthy with good brushing habits and regular dental visits will help keep your oral health in top condition.
Benefits of Guided Tissue Regeneration
This treatment does more than repair damage—it helps protect your smile for the future. GTR can stabilize loose teeth, reduce gum pocket depth, and rebuild bone where it’s needed. It also improves how your gums look and feel, especially around natural teeth or dental implants.
By restoring the foundation under your teeth, GTR supports everything else that comes next—like dental implants or a bridge.
Why Choose Advanced Oral Surgery & Periodontics for Guided Tissue Regeneration?
We’ve seen firsthand how much this treatment can change the course of someone’s oral health. Our surgeons and periodontists work together to create treatment plans that fit your needs, using today’s best technology and materials to get you the beautiful results you deserve.
At Advanced Oral Surgery & Periodontics, you’ll never feel rushed or left in the dark about your treatment. We promise to take our time answering your questions, explaining every step, and making sure you feel comfortable from your first visit through treatment and recovery. Schedule a consultation with us today to take your first step toward a healthier smile.
