Bone Grafting & Guided Tissue Regeneration
Gum disease has traditionally been treated by eliminating the gum pockets by trimming away the infected gum tissue and by re-contouring the uneven bone tissue. Although this is still an effective way of treating gum disease, and is still used in treatment of horizontal bone loss; new and more sophisticated procedures are used routinely today. One of these advancements is bone grafting, or guided tissue regeneration. This procedure involves the use of bone grafting materials, and or membranes and growth factors to regrow the bone that is lost due to peridontal disease.
As periodontal disease progresses, destruction of the bone occurs. Bone can be lost in a horizontal pattern, or in a vertical pattern next to the tooth. If the bone that is destroyed due to periodontal disease forms a defect in the bone that is vertical in shape; or there is bone loss between the roots of a tooth, Dr. Ridgway may recommend bone grafting, or guided tissue regeneration. During this surgical procedure, the pockets are cleaned thoroughly, and a membrane is installed between the soft tissue and the defect in the bone. Some of these membranes are bio-absorbable and some require removal. The membrane covers the pocket so that fast-growing soft tissue is blocked, and slower-growing bone can begin to grow, or “regenerate” itself. Bone grafting materials and/or growth factors can be combined with the membrane in certain cases to enhance the outcome. The goal of this procedure is to regrow or regenerate the bone, periodontal ligament and cementum that was lost due to periodontal disease.
The effectiveness of the procedure generally depends on the patient’s willingness to follow a strict postoperative diet and careful oral care. Dr. Ridgway will help you determine if bone grafting/guided tissue regeneration surgery is right for you.