Guided Tissue Regeneration: Saving Teeth by Rebuilding Support Structures

By Marc P. Stanard, DDS, Periodontist

This advanced periodontal procedure offers patients a second chance at keeping their natural teeth — by restoring lost bone and tissue before extraction becomes the only option.

When gum disease or trauma leads to the loss of supporting structures around a tooth — including bone, periodontal ligament, and connective tissue — many patients assume that extraction or implant placement is their only path forward. Fortunately, that’s not always the case. Thanks to a technique called Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR), periodontists can now encourage the body to regrow critical tissue and stabilize teeth that would otherwise be lost.

GTR is most commonly used to treat infrabony defects — vertical bone loss caused by periodontitis. Left untreated, these defects deepen, and the surrounding teeth become increasingly mobile. GTR involves placing a small, biocompatible membrane between the gum and the bone. This membrane acts as a barrier, guiding the body’s natural healing process and giving bone and connective tissue the opportunity to regrow in the right place — while preventing unwanted gum tissue from filling the space. This barrier membrane can either be dissolvable or non-dissolvable depending on the size and location of the defect in the jawbone.

In many cases, bone grafts or growth factors are also added to promote regeneration and stability. As the area heals over several months, the regenerated tissue forms a new attachment to the root surface, improving tooth support and prolonging the life of the tooth.

Not every patient is a candidate for GTR. Ideal cases involve good oral hygiene, non-smoking status, and localized defects where regenerative outcomes are most predictable. However, when appropriate, this technique can be a powerful tool for preserving natural teeth — often avoiding the need for extraction, bridgework, or implants.

Beyond saving teeth, GTR offers additional benefits:

• Preserves jawbone contour and aesthetics
• Improves the long-term success of periodontal therapy
• Can reduce the risk of additional tooth loss in the future

The best outcomes always come with early diagnosis. If you’ve been told you have bone loss or deep pockets, a periodontal consultation can help determine whether regenerative techniques like GTR might be an option for you.

At our office, we are committed to using the most effective techniques available to help patients protect and preserve their natural teeth — whenever possible.