The Concept of GTR/GBR

1. Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR)

The aim of modern treatment for periodontal disease is to regenerate lost periodontal tissue and supporting bone tissue. Selected cell populations residing in periodontal tissue can produce new periodontal soft tissue, cementum and alveolar bone tissue, provided that these populations are given the opportunity to occupy a fresh periodontal wound.

Treatment includes either the use of bone graft or bone substitute with GTR-membranes or of membrane only. With guided tissue regeneration, the faster growing connective tissue and epithelial cells are prevented from migrating into the wound, and space is maintained between the membrane and bone, allowing time for periodontal ligament, cementum and bone to repopulate and mature in the defect area.

2. Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR)

As bone tissue heals more slowly than soft (mucoperiosteal) tissue in the mouth, the faster healing soft tissue would prevent the bone from reaching its full healing potential following a surgical procedure. The concept of guided bone regeneration (GBR) treatment suggests that if a biocompatible membrane is placed between the soft tissue and bone, the membrane acts as a barrier. This barrier prevents the down-growth of the soft tissue, connective and epithelial cells, allowing the underlying bone to heal. GBR is used in pre- and peri-implant surgery, bony defects and extraction sockets.