Periodontal Care
Guided Tissue Regeneration in Fullerton, CA
Helping lost bone and gum support grow back around the teeth.
Gum disease can destroy the bone and tissue that hold teeth in place. Guided tissue regeneration aims to help that support regrow.
What Is Guided Tissue Regeneration?
Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) is a periodontal procedure used where gum disease has caused bone loss around a tooth. After the roots are thoroughly cleaned, a thin barrier membrane is placed between the gum and the bone, sometimes along with bone graft material. Gum tissue normally grows faster than bone, and the membrane keeps it out of the space so bone and supporting tissue have room to regrow. Some membranes dissolve on their own over time. Pocket charting and digital imaging help show where bone has been lost, so treatment is planned precisely.
How GTR Helps
Supporting the tooth by encouraging regrowth.
- Barrier Membrane Keeps fast-growing gum tissue out of the healing space.
- Room to Regrow Gives bone and supporting tissue space to rebuild.
- Precise Planning Pocket charting and imaging show where bone has been lost.
How the Procedure Works
The area is numbed with local anesthetic. The gum is folded back, the roots are cleaned, the membrane and any graft material are placed, and the gum is secured over them. Healing is checked at follow-up visits, and maintenance visits help protect the result.
What to Expect
- Imaging and gum measurements first
- Local anesthetic for comfort
- Gentle-care instructions while you heal
- Follow-up and maintenance visits
Related Treatment
GTR is often combined with bone grafting or pocket reduction surgery.
The short answer
Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) is a periodontal procedure used where gum disease has caused bone loss around a tooth. After the roots are cleaned, a thin barrier membrane is placed between the gum and the bone, sometimes with bone graft material, to keep faster-growing gum tissue out of the space. That gives bone and supporting tissue room to regrow, and some membranes dissolve on their own as the area heals over time.
Guided Tissue Regeneration FAQ
- What does guided tissue regeneration do?
- It aims to help bone and supporting tissue regrow where gum disease has caused loss. A barrier membrane keeps gum tissue out of the healing space. That gives bone room to rebuild.
- Why is a membrane needed?
- Gum tissue normally grows faster than bone. Without a barrier it can fill the space first. The membrane holds that space open for bone.
- Does the membrane have to be removed?
- Some membranes dissolve on their own over time. Others may need to be removed later. We will explain which applies to your treatment.
- Is GTR combined with other treatments?
- It is often done alongside bone grafting or pocket reduction surgery. The roots are thoroughly cleaned first. Maintenance visits afterward help protect the result.
Insurance & Financing
Benefits and participation vary by plan. Please contact our office so we can help you verify your coverage and understand your options before treatment.
CareCredit and Cherry are available. Terms and approval are set by each provider.