Dental knowledge: guided tissue regeneration with membranes

In certain cases bone loss can be made good by guided tissue regeneration.

Bone lost to periodontal disease does not regenerate without supporting measures. In certain cases, however, the loss of bone can be made good by regenerative measures. Membrane techniques offer guided tissue regeneration (GTR) and guided bone regeneration (GBR).

In these procedures a membrane is placed as a mechanical barrier between the bone defect and the soft tissue so that the defect can heal undisturbed. Because soft tissue heals faster, it would otherwise grow into the defect and jeopardise the formation of new bone. The membrane prevents the mucosa from growing into the cavity of the bone defect and so allows bone-forming cells to colonise it undisturbed.

Answered briefly

Frequently asked questions

Why is a membrane used where there is a bone defect?

The membrane serves as a mechanical barrier between the bone defect and the soft tissue so that the defect can heal undisturbed. It prevents the mucosa, that is the soft tissue, from growing into the cavity of the bone defect and allows bone-forming cells to colonise it undisturbed.

What do the abbreviations GTR and GBR stand for?

GTR stands for guided tissue regeneration, GBR for guided bone regeneration. Both work with membrane techniques and come into question where bone lost to periodontitis is to be made good by regenerative measures. In certain cases that is possible.

Why does soft tissue interfere with bone formation?

Because soft tissue heals faster than bone. Without a barrier it would grow into the defect and jeopardise the formation of the new bone. It is therefore kept away from the defect with a membrane so that bone-forming cells can settle there.