Guided Bone and 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, new and more sophisticated procedures are used routinely today. One of these advancements is bone regeneration, also referred to as  tissue regeneration. This procedure is used to stabilize endangered teeth or to prepare the jaw for dental implants. It is commonly used in conjunction with other surgical procedures in areas that we feel bone can be regenerated well.

As periodontal disease progresses, pockets of degenerated bone develop in the jaw. These pockets can promote the growth of bacteria and the spread of infection. To address these pockets, Dr. Collins may recommend tissue regeneration. During this surgical procedure, the pockets are cleaned thoroughly, and a bone graft or growth factor type material is placed in the area of bone loss. These materials can cause bone to reform in these areas where bone was lost previously.

The effectiveness of the procedure generally depends on the patient’s willingness to follow a strict postoperative diet and careful oral care. Every person has differing potential for the bone to regenerate itself.  Dr. Collins will help you determine if bone regeneration surgery is right for you.