Think of your jawbone and gum tissue as the architectural foundation of your smile. Just as a building needs a solid base to remain stable, your teeth and dental restorations require strong underlying structures to function correctly. When disease, trauma, or tooth loss compromises this foundation, it doesn’t have to be permanent. Guided bone and tissue regeneration harnesses your body’s natural healing abilities, directing new growth precisely where you need it most to restore what was lost.
At Dental Group of Chicago, we use guided bone and tissue regeneration to help patients overcome structural challenges that might otherwise prevent successful treatment. Our team carefully evaluates your specific needs and develops a personalized approach to rebuilding lost bone or gum tissue. With convenient hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, and Saturday availability, we make it easier for you to receive the advanced care you need to restore your oral health foundation.
What Is Guided Bone Regeneration?
Guided bone regeneration (GBR) is a surgical procedure that rebuilds lost jawbone using specialized membranes and bone grafting materials. The method works by placing a barrier membrane over the treatment area, which prevents soft tissue from growing into the space while allowing bone cells to regenerate. We often combine this membrane with bone graft material sourced from your own body, a donor, or synthetic materials.
The membrane acts as a scaffold, guiding new bone growth in the desired direction and protecting the healing area. Over several months, your body gradually replaces the graft material with natural bone tissue. This creates a solid foundation capable of supporting dental implants or other restorations.
When You Might Need Bone Regeneration
Several situations may require guided bone regeneration. After a tooth extraction, your jawbone naturally begins to shrink in that area. Without a tooth root to stimulate it, the bone resorbs over time. If you plan to replace the missing tooth with an implant, you may need bone regeneration to restore adequate bone volume.
Advanced gum disease also commonly leads to bone loss around teeth. Studies show that chronic periodontitis affects a significant portion of American adults and can destroy the bone supporting your teeth. Even after treating the infection, regeneration procedures may be necessary to repair the damage.
Injuries, infections, or congenital disabilities can also cause bone deficiencies that require regeneration. Some patients have naturally thinner jawbone structures in certain areas, making regeneration before implant placement advisable.
Understanding Guided Tissue Regeneration
Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) uses similar principles to rebuild lost gum tissue and the structures connecting your teeth to your jawbone. This procedure addresses damage caused by gum disease, which destroys not only the visible gum tissue but also the periodontal ligament and supporting bone beneath.
During GTR, we place a membrane between your gum tissue and tooth root, creating space for the slower-growing bone and ligament cells to regenerate. Without this barrier, faster-growing gum tissue would fill the space first, preventing proper healing. The membrane dissolves naturally as healing progresses, eliminating the need for removal.
The Regeneration Process
Both procedures begin with a thorough cleaning of the treatment area and the removal of any infected or damaged tissue. We then place the bone graft material (for GBR) or prepare the tooth surface (for GTR) before positioning the barrier membrane. The membrane gets secured in place and covered with your gum tissue.
Over the following months, your body gradually builds new bone or connective tissue in the protected space. The healing timeline varies by individual and the extent of regeneration needed, typically ranging from three to six months. During this period, we monitor your progress through periodic examinations.
Once adequate regeneration has occurred, you may proceed with the next phase of treatment, whether that involves placing a dental implant, completing additional periodontal care treatment, or evaluating your improved oral health.
Recovery and Care
After your procedure, you may experience some swelling, discomfort, and minor bleeding for several days. We provide detailed post-operative instructions and prescribe medications as needed to manage pain and prevent infection. Avoiding the surgical area while brushing and following a soft food diet helps protect the healing tissue.
Most patients return to normal activities within a few days, though you should avoid strenuous exercise for about a week. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene in other areas of your mouth remains crucial during healing. Regular follow-up appointments allow us to monitor the progress of regeneration and address any concerns.
Long-Term Results
Successful bone and tissue regeneration creates lasting improvements in your oral health. Rebuilt bone provides stable support for dental implants, with success rates comparable to those of implants placed in natural bone. Regenerated periodontal tissue helps secure teeth more firmly and may reduce pocket depths around affected teeth.
These procedures also preserve the natural contours of your jawbone and gums, maintaining proper facial structure and appearance. The investment in regeneration often prevents more extensive treatments later by addressing problems before they worsen.
Rebuild Your Oral Health Foundation at Dental Group of Chicago
Our team at Dental Group of Chicago brings careful attention to every regeneration procedure. We take the time to thoroughly assess your bone density and gum health using advanced digital imaging, then explain how regeneration fits into your overall treatment plan. Our extended hours mean you can receive this critical care without disrupting your work schedule or other commitments.
Schedule your consultation at our conveniently located South Loop office to learn whether guided bone or tissue regeneration can support your dental health goals. Our experienced doctors use proven regeneration techniques to help you achieve the strongest possible foundation for implants, periodontal health, and long-term oral wellness.
