Periodontal Regeneration

Also known as: guided tissue regeneration

As periodontal disease progresses, pockets deepen and promote the growth of bacteria as well as the spread of infection (see Periodontitis). The supporting bone may begin to degenerate. Regeneration procedures are used to restore lost supporting hard and soft tissue, and can reverse some of the damage caused by periodontal disease. This is in contrast with repair of periodontal tissue, also known as osseous surgery, which was the staple of periodontal treatment for decades (see Osseous Surgery). Dr. Valentin Dabuleanu will help you determine if periodontal regeneration surgery is right for you.

This procedure involves the reflection of the gingival tissue and removal of the majority of disease-causing bacteria within the pocket. This is achieved through a very thorough cleaning of the pocket. Membranes (filters), bone grafts, and tissue-stimulating proteins are then used to encourage the body’s natural ability to regenerate bone and soft tissue (Figures 1-4). The procedure takes approximately one hour. It may be done with local anaesthetic alone, or in combination with sedation (see Sedation). Most patients are back at work two days after having had periodontal regeneration surgery. The majority of healing takes place during the first two weeks, and patients may then resume most of their normal eating and oral hygiene practices (see Post-Operative Instructions). You will be seen for a 1-week and 4-week post-operative check.

This treatment, when indicated and when combined with a combination of daily home oral hygiene and professional hygiene maintenance care, will result in a significant increase in the chances of keeping your natural teeth (Figure 5). Furthermore, when periodontal disease is arrested, your chances of having other health problems that associated with periodontal disease are decreased (see The Mouth-Body Relationship).

For more information on periodontal regeneration surgery, please visit the following link to an article published in Oral Health, one of our national dental journals, written by both Dr. Valentin Dabuleanu and Dr. Mary Dabuleanu: