Bone Grafting (with GTR)
A dental bone grafting procedure is a surgical procedure performed by a periodontist or oral surgeon to restore or augment bone in the jaw. It involves taking a piece of bone from another part of the body or using a synthetic bone material and placing it in the area where bone loss or deficiency has occurred. This procedure is commonly done to prepare the jaw for dental implants, as it helps provide a solid foundation for the implant to be placed. The bone graft stimulates new bone growth and integration, allowing for successful implant placement and improved oral health.
​
Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) is a surgical procedure performed by a periodontist to promote the regeneration of lost or damaged periodontal tissues, such as gum tissue and bone, around teeth. It is commonly used to treat periodontal diseases, such as periodontitis, where the supporting structures of the teeth have been affected.
During a dental GTR procedure, a barrier membrane is placed between the gum tissue and the tooth root to prevent the migration of unwanted cells, such as epithelial cells, into the healing area. This barrier membrane acts as a physical barrier, allowing the desired cells, such as bone and gum tissue cells, to repopulate the area and regenerate.
In some cases, bone graft materials or growth factors may also be used in conjunction with the barrier membrane to enhance the regeneration process. The goal of dental GTR is to create a favorable environment for the body to naturally regenerate and restore the damaged periodontal tissues, improving the stability and health of the teeth.
Dental GTR is typically performed as part of a comprehensive periodontal treatment plan and may be combined with other procedures, such as scaling and root planing or periodontal flap surgery, to achieve optimal results.
Ridge Preservation (with GTR)
A dental ridge preservation procedure (also known as socket preservation), is a dental procedure performed immediately after a tooth extraction to prevent or minimize bone loss in the socket where the tooth was removed.
During a dental ridge preservation procedure, the dentist or oral surgeon will clean the socket thoroughly and place a bone graft material into the socket. This bone graft material can be sourced from the patient's own bone (autograft), a donor's bone (allograft), or synthetic materials (alloplast). The graft material helps to fill the socket and maintain the shape and volume of the ridge.
The purpose of dental ridge preservation is to prevent the collapse or resorption of the alveolar ridge, which can occur after tooth extraction. By preserving the ridge, it helps to maintain the bone structure and provides a more stable foundation for future dental procedures, such as dental implants or dentures. This procedure can help improve the long-term aesthetics and functionality of the patient's smile.