Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR)

Rebuilding Lost Bone to Help Save Natural Teeth

One of the consequences of periodontal disease is the loss of the bone that supports your teeth. As bone is destroyed by infection and inflammation, teeth become less stable and more difficult to maintain.

In carefully selected situations, it is possible to regenerate portions of this lost bone through a procedure called Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR). Rather than simply stopping the disease, regenerative therapy is designed to encourage your body to rebuild some of the bone and supporting tissues that have been lost.

At Malloy Perio, our primary goal is always to preserve your natural teeth whenever predictable long-term success is possible.

When Is Bone Regeneration Recommended?

Guided Tissue Regeneration may be recommended when:

  • Periodontal disease has caused localized bone loss

  • A tooth has a deep periodontal defect that has the potential to regenerate

  • Certain areas of bone loss can be predictably rebuilt

  • Preserving a natural tooth offers the best long-term outcome

Not every area of bone loss can be regenerated. During your examination, Dr. Malloy will carefully evaluate the shape of the defect, surrounding bone, and overall prognosis to determine whether regenerative treatment is appropriate.

How Does Guided Tissue Regeneration Work?

After the infected tissue and bacterial deposits are carefully removed, regenerative materials are placed into the area where bone has been lost.

Depending on your individual needs, treatment may include:

  • Bone grafting materials that provide a framework for new bone growth

  • Biologic growth factors that stimulate healing

  • A resorbable membrane that protects the area while regeneration occurs

These materials create a protected environment that allows your body's natural healing process to rebuild supporting bone and periodontal attachment over time.

Healing and Recovery

Healing begins immediately after surgery as your body forms a stable blood clot and new blood vessels develop within the treated area.

Over the following months, new bone and supporting tissues gradually mature. While the soft tissues heal within several weeks, complete bone regeneration typically continues for three to six months, depending on the size and location of the defect.

Regular follow-up visits are an important part of ensuring optimal healing and long-term success.

Our Philosophy

Regenerative periodontal surgery is one of the most rewarding procedures in periodontics because it focuses on preserving what nature originally created.

While regeneration is not possible in every situation, carefully selected cases can achieve significant improvements in bone support, periodontal stability, and the long-term prognosis of natural teeth.

Our goal is always to recommend the most conservative treatment that offers the greatest opportunity to preserve your smile.