Guided Tissue Regeneration in Louisville, KY & New Albany, IN
The objective of tissue regeneration is to encourage the jawbone tissue to grow so that it can provide a stable, strong support foundation for dental implants. Tissue regeneration has been studied for decades, with modern technologies making the process more efficient and more comfortable than ever before.
Guided Tissue Regeneration Information
When you have teeth missing, your mouth will begin to change. Since a tooth is no longer anchored into the jawbone tissue, providing pressure stimulation as you speak and chew, the jawbone will begin to resorb, or to atrophy. This resorbing process can occur quickly, with some patients losing as much as 25% of their jawbone ridge width within the first year of losing a tooth. Over time, this jawbone loss can change your face shape or compromise the ability to successfully support a dental implant, which is why tissue regeneration is so crucial.
Benefits of Guided Tissue Regeneration
GTR, guided tissue regeneration, can help heal periodontal disease. It can repair damage to your gums and your bones. After that, it is always crucial to maintain good dental habits that includes brushing twice per day and consistent dental visits. Periodontal disease can be associated with diabetes or cardiovascular issues, so you want to maintain your efforts to keep yourself healthy.
In addition to facilitating dental implant placement, guided tissue regeneration is also used to strengthen empty sockets where teeth have been lost and to bolster bone tissue that has been damaged by tumors, cysts, or impacted teeth. Guided tissue regeneration is also performed by PerioImplant Associates to help our patients with congenital dental disorders or those who have suffered from diseases that have affected the strength of the oral tissues or underlying bone.
Contact Our Practice Today
Our goal is to get you back to smiling and chewing with confidence. With our qualified staff and compassionate team, we will listen to your questions and desires to find the best solution for your dental health.
The Guided Tissue Regeneration Process
Simply put, guided tissue regeneration is a treatment encouraging the bone to grow, and then placing barriers around the gum tissue or teeth to isolate that growth. After the specific gum pocket has been thoroughly cleaned and sanitized, a bioabsorbable membrane is placed between the gum tissue and the bone. Bone grafts, tissue-stimulating proteins, or space holders are then placed by PerioImplant Associates within the membrane to accomplish the desired objective. With time, the membrane helps the tissue to grow into the desired shape and then is slowly reabsorbed into the body.
Immediately after your guided tissue regeneration, your body responds by forming a blood clot within the graft, which releases growth hormones that encourage healing. The clot is later absorbed into the body and replaced by granulation tissue and healthy blood vessels. This healthy vascular system quickly creates a weave of bone tissue, creating a healthy, structurally sound base.
The entire process may take as long as three to four months. Successful tissue regeneration can prepare your mouth for complex dental restorations such as dental implants which will then last a lifetime.
Aftercare Following Guided Tissue Regeneration
Once your procedure is completed, you will be advised to do a few things to make sure that you heal and recover properly:
- Medications- If we prescribe medicine, you should begin taking it right away. Antibiotics can help you to prevent an upset stomach.
- Ibuprofen- You should consider taking ibuprofen three times per day for the first two days after the surgery. After that, take it as needed. Most over-the-counter medications are not meant to be taken for more than a week. We will guide you on what to take.
- Ice pack- For the first six hours following your surgery, you can apply an ice pack to your face twice an hour for ten minutes each time to control discomfort and swelling.
- Dental Hygiene- Do not brush your teeth near the surgical site for seven days after the surgery. Use a Q-tip and be gentle. Do not floss for three weeks, otherwise you could accidentally remove stitches.
- Sleep on an Incline- You may need to sleep with your head elevated so that your head is above your heart. This will reduce swelling and will make recovery less painful.
Our Specialists Tell Our Story Best
Ramsey Burton, DMD
Dr. Ramsey Burton is originally from Nashville, TN. He received both his undergraduate and doctorate degrees from the University of Louisville. Following dental school, he completed periodontal specialty training at the University of Kentucky.
Courtney Shearer, DMD, MS
Dr. Courtney Shearer was born and raised in Louisville, KY. She attended Washington and Lee University for her undergraduate degree. She then attended the University of Louisville School of Dentistry where she received her Doctorate in Dentistry.
Jodie Lusby, DMD, MSD
Dr. Jodie Lusby is a Board Certified Periodontist and grew up in Florence, KY. He attended the University of Kentucky where he received his biology degree and graduated Magna Cum Laude. He then attended the Louisville School of Dentistry.
Periodontitis Needs to be Avoided
Periodontitis, or gum disease, is what happens when your teeth are not cleaned regularly. Bacteria carrying plaque forms on your teeth creating gingivitis first and then develops into periodontitis. Guided tissue regeneration is not a common procedure. All it can do is heal what damage has been done, but that damage will reoccur if your teeth are not kept clean.
Guided Tissue Regeneration Treatment Costs
The cost of your guided tissue regeneration treatment will depend on your individual needs and your treatment plan. We will discuss with you the cost of the GTR treatment, your insurance plan, and available payment options before we begin, so that you can make the best choice for your situation.
A Warm and Caring Welcome to Our Practice
The entire team at PerioImplant Associates has but one primary focus, and that is to serve you. It can be natural and normal for you to feel anxious about visiting a general dentist, or even a dental specialist such as a periodontist. Understanding those concerns, we always take our time in explaining the benefits of the procedure that is being proposed for your dental health. Both offices, Louisville, KY, and New Albany, IN, are extensively trained to address every dental issue and concern. We will share the benefits of your periodontal treatment, introduce our staff, and explain our general office policies. Call us today about an evaluation for a guided tissue regeneration procedure for you. Each staff member will greet you with a smile and send you home with a healthy smile of your own that you will be eager to share.