Guided Bone & Tissue Regeneration | Tidewater Laser Perio and Implants

Guided bone and tissue regeneration procedure for dental implant placement

Restoring Bone Lost to Periodontal Disease

Gum disease has traditionally been treated by eliminating the gum pockets by trimming away the infected gum tissue and by re-contouring the uneven bone tissue. Although this is still an effective way of treating gum disease, new and more sophisticated procedures are used routinely today. One of these advancements is guided bone regeneration, also referred to as guided tissue regeneration. This procedure is used to stabilize endangered teeth or to prepare the jaw for dental implants.

As periodontal disease progresses, pockets of degenerated bone develop in the jaw. These pockets can promote the growth of bacteria and the spread of infection. To address these pockets, Dr. Cavallari may recommend tissue regeneration. During this surgical procedure, the pockets are cleaned thoroughly, and a membrane is installed between the soft tissue and the pocket in the bone. Some of these membranes are bio-absorbable and some require removal. The membrane covers the pocket so that fast-growing soft tissue is blocked, and slower-growing bone can begin to grow, or “regenerate” itself.

The effectiveness of the procedure generally depends on the patient’s willingness to follow a strict postoperative diet and careful oral care. Dr. Cavallari will help you determine if bone regeneration surgery is right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Guided Bone & Tissue Regeneration

Guided bone regeneration (GBR), also called guided tissue regeneration (GTR), is an advanced periodontal surgical procedure used to rebuild bone and tissue that has been lost due to periodontal disease. As gum disease progresses, pockets of degenerated bone develop in the jaw that can harbor bacteria and promote the spread of infection. Guided regeneration addresses these pockets by creating the conditions necessary for the body to regrow its own bone tissue. Dr. Cavallari performs this procedure at Tidewater Laser Perio and Implants for patients in Virginia Beach and throughout Hampton Roads.

Traditional periodontal treatment focuses on eliminating disease by trimming infected gum tissue and recontouring damaged bone. While effective at stopping disease progression, this approach reduces the amount of bone and tissue present. Guided bone and tissue regeneration goes a step further — rather than simply removing damaged structures, it actively stimulates the body to regenerate new bone in areas where it has been lost, offering the potential to restore what disease has destroyed rather than just managing what remains.

During the procedure, the diseased pockets are thoroughly cleaned to remove bacteria and infected tissue. A specialized membrane is then placed between the soft gum tissue and the bone pocket. This membrane acts as a barrier — blocking the fast-growing soft tissue from filling the space, while allowing the slower-growing bone cells the time and room they need to regenerate and fill the pocket naturally. Some membranes used are bio-absorbable and dissolve on their own, while others require a second procedure for removal. Dr. Cavallari will determine the most appropriate membrane type based on your clinical needs.

Membranes used in guided bone and tissue regeneration come in two main types. Bio-absorbable membranes are made from materials that the body naturally breaks down and absorbs over time, eliminating the need for a second surgical procedure to remove them. Non-resorbable membranes are made from materials such as ePTFE and provide a more rigid barrier, but do require removal once bone regeneration is complete. Dr. Cavallari will recommend the appropriate option based on the size and location of the defect being treated.

Patients with bone loss resulting from advanced periodontal disease who have developed bony defects or pockets around their teeth may be candidates for guided bone regeneration. It is also commonly recommended for patients who need to rebuild jawbone volume prior to dental implant placement. If you have been told you have significant bone loss, or if your general dentist has referred you to a periodontist in Virginia Beach for evaluation, Dr. Cavallari can assess whether guided regeneration is appropriate for your situation.

Yes, and this is one of its most important applications. Adequate bone volume is essential for successful dental implant placement. Patients who have experienced bone loss due to gum disease, tooth loss, or other factors may not have sufficient bone to support an implant without first rebuilding that foundation. Guided bone regeneration can restore the necessary bone volume so that implants can be placed with confidence, improving both the success rate and long-term stability of the implant.

In many cases, yes. One of the primary goals of guided bone and tissue regeneration is to stabilize teeth that are endangered by the bone loss surrounding them. By regenerating bone in the defects created by periodontal disease, the procedure restores support to the affected teeth and reduces the risk of tooth loss. The outcome depends on the degree of bone loss, the patient's overall periodontal health, and their commitment to post-operative care and ongoing maintenance.

Post-operative compliance is critical to the success of this procedure. The effectiveness of guided bone regeneration depends significantly on the patient's willingness to follow a strict post-operative diet and maintain careful, thorough oral hygiene during the healing period. Disrupting the membrane or the regenerating bone tissue through improper care can compromise results. Dr. Cavallari will provide detailed instructions and schedule follow-up visits to monitor your healing and ensure the regeneration process is progressing as expected.

Bone regeneration is a gradual biological process. Initial healing of the surgical site typically occurs within a few weeks, but meaningful bone fill in the treated area develops over several months. Complete assessment of regenerative outcomes is generally evaluated at six months to one year post-procedure through clinical examination and x-rays. Your periodontal maintenance schedule will be closely coordinated during this period to protect your results.

Call Tidewater Laser Perio and Implants at (757) 412-0235 or request an appointment online at drcavallari.com. Dr. Cavallari will perform a comprehensive periodontal evaluation, review your x-rays, and determine whether guided bone and tissue regeneration is the appropriate next step — whether your goal is to save existing teeth, address bone defects, or prepare for dental implant placement in Virginia Beach.

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Dr. Cavallari provides a variety of surgical services for the treatment of periodontal issues. Contact us for more information.

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Guided Bone & Tissue Regeneration in Virginia Beach, VA

Restoring Bone Lost to Periodontal Disease

Frequently Asked Questions About Guided Bone & Tissue Regeneration

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