Guided regeneration techniques

(a) Guided tissue regeneration

Periodontal disease may result in extensive lesions. Depending on the shape and size of these lesions, tissue regeneration around some teeth may be possible with the use of grafts and membranes or a special gel. These act as a scaffold which promotes cellular growth or have the ability to guide the cells of the periodontal ligament, resulting in the formation of a new periodontal attachment thus improving tooth support and prognosis. Therefore, teeth with an apparently questionable prognosis may be maintained.

In our practice, grafts of animal origin are used (bovine and porcine). Special treatment of these materials makes them safe for use and removes any possibility of allergic reactions or rejection by the body.

(b) Guided bone regeneration

In many instances, implant treatment planning is limited by the amount of bone available in the areas of interest. Bone loss due to inflammation around the pre-existing tooth, injury or bone resorption due to tooth extraction prevents the correct placement of implants. In some of these cases, bone regeneration may be possible, with the use of bone grafts and membranes.

Depending on its origin, the graft may be an autograft (coming from the patient themselves), an allograft (originating in another individual) or a xenograft (of animal origin). In our practice, autografts and xenografts are exclusively used.

(c) Sinus lift procedures

Impact placement in the premolar and molar region may be problematic due to the presence of the anatomical structure called the maxillary sinus. This is a hollow cavity in the upper jaw (maxilla) on both sides of the skull which, in some cases, extends very low into the root areas of the posterior teeth, thus limiting the height of available bone. Since implants must be inserted in sound bone, without the risk of displacement into the maxillary sinus, the height of bone must be increased, provided that this is permitted by the anatomy of the area.

Sinus lift procedures allow for the placement of implants in areas with limited bone height. Bone grafts and membranes are used to fill the part of the sinus necessary. Depending on the extent of the sinus augmentation, implants may be placed simultaneously or at a second stage surgery.

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