Periodontal disease can wreak havoc on your gum tissue and surrounding bone. Bacteria can create pockets in your gum tissue, causing your gums to pull away from your teeth over time. This leaves more and more of the roots of your teeth exposed, allowing further damage to your teeth, gums and ultimately your bone. When there is no longer sufficient gum tissue to hold your teeth in place, you can quickly end up with missing teeth because they have fallen out. When teeth are missing, bones begin to deteriorate even more. Fortunately, Dr. Toms and his skilled team have years of experience and know-how to help our patients in this situation.

Along with proper dental hygiene and other periodontal treatments, guided tissue bone regeneration is an effective procedure that helps preserve your bone while also promoting new growth. This procedure is also far less invasive than traditional bone grafts as it does not require surgically removing bone graft samples from other parts of your body. Rather, it relies on advanced alternatives, like membrane barriers, tissue-stimulating proteins, and bioactive growth factor gels to help promote natural bone growth in the target areas. These materials create a framework for new bone growth.

Essentially, the gum tissue is opened up and a membrane or other material is placed over the area in which the bone needs to grow and regenerate. As healing progresses, new bone and gingival tissue grow in that space, providing increased support for teeth in that area.

Similar to bone grafting, the guided-tissue bone regeneration procedure can help prevent the loss of your natural teeth. If the situation is caught early enough, Dr. Toms may be able to save your teeth through bone grafting or the guided-tissue bone regeneration. By encouraging new bone growth in deteriorating areas, you ensure your teeth continue to have a strong base for attachment.

Some cases may require a more invasive procedure with bone grafting, as the membranes, proteins, and gels may not be enough. Dr. Toms will assess your individual situation to see if this procedure is right for you. Healing time will vary depending on the extent of the procedure and the materials used.

For evaluation and consultation with Dr. Toms, please contact our office at (513) 922-7300 to set up an appointment.