Gum disease has traditionally been treated by trimming away infected gum tissue and reshaping uneven bone tissue. Though this remains an effective way of treating gum disease, there are new and more sophisticated procedures being used routinely today. One of these advancements is guided bone regeneration, also known as guided tissue regeneration. The procedure is used to stabilize endangered teeth or to prepare the jaw for dental implants.

As periodontal disease worsens, pockets of degenerated bone develop in the jaw, promoting the growth of bacteria and the spread of infection. To address these pockets, Dr. Rezvan may recommend tissue regeneration, which is a surgical procedure during which the pockets are cleaned thoroughly, and a membrane is installed between the soft tissue and the pocket in the bone. The membrane covers the pocket so that fast-growing soft tissue is blocked, leaving room for slower-growing bone to “regenerate.”

Dr. Rezvan will help you determine if bone regeneration surgery is right for you—the effectiveness of the procedure depends on the patient’s willingness to follow a strict postoperative diet and maintain careful oral care.