Guided Bone and Tissue Regeneration

Gum disease has traditionally been treated by trimming away the infected gum tissues and recontouring the uneven bone. Today we have more sophisticated procedures that will allow us to regenerate lost bone and diseased gum tissues. These procedures work to stabilize questionable teeth or to prepare the jaw for optimal dental implant outcomes. These procedures are referred to as guided bone and tissue regeneration.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT?

Dr. Oakley will make sure you are profoundly numb, then he will gently incise around each tooth in the diseased area to release the gum tissue. This allows access to the tooth roots and bone. After he meticulously cleans the teeth and removes diseased tissue, he will reshape the bone around the teeth.  In areas where a defect in the bone has formed, bone chips are grafted into the defect and the area is covered with a protective membrane. This membrane is installed between the soft tissue and the pocket in the bone. It covers the pocket and secures the grafted bone chips, so that the fast-growing gum tissue is blocked and the slow-growing bone tissue is allowed to grow, or "regenerate" thereby eliminating the bone defect. Next, the gums will be placed back over the bone and sutured securely in place. A chlorhexidine mouth rinse is usually prescribed. Discomfort is mild for 2-3 days and is controlled in most cases with over-the-counter pain medications, like Tylenol and Advil. You will receive detailed instructions after the procedure and will have Dr. Oakley's personal phone number in case concerns arise.

The success of this procedure depends on the patient's readiness to follow a strict diet and careful oral hygiene. Dr. Oakley will help you determine if bone and tissue regeneration is right for you.

Watch the two videos below that explain both procedures.