Gum disease will cause gradual loss of bone supporting the teeth. When dental bone is lost, it is usually irreversible unless surgical bone grafting procedure is performed. When there is severe bone loss, regenerative bone graft procedure is done to regenerate the bone that has been lost due to the gum disease. This procedure involves reflecting the gum to allow thorough cleaning and removal of the bacterial toxins on the root surface. The bony defect will then be packed with bone graft and covered by collagen membrane before the gums are secured back to position. The bone graft and membrane will attract and induce the body’s own bone and tissue cells to grow into the defect. This procedure is otherwise termed as Guided Tissue Regeneration.
Flap raised showing bony defect
Pre-Op X-ray showing bony defect
Post-Op X-ray showing bone fill