Guided Bone Regeneration in Periodontal Osseous Defects

Guided bone regeneration is a new technique that evolved following the guided tissue regeneration procedure for regeneration of lost periodontium. The objective of guided bone regeneration is to promote bone formation in osseous deformities either before or in conjunction with endosseous implant placement. Osseous defects consist mainly of extraction sites, dehiscence or fenestration and localized ridge deformities. In addition, bone defects may either provide natural space making or be nonspace making. Non space making defects usually require bone graft materials to assist in space maintenance and enhance bone formation. Fixation pins are also used either with or without graft materials. The introduction and refinement of GBR allowed clinicians to generate more stable cosmetically appealing implant supported prosthesis. When carefully considered and timed GBR is highly successful, producing new functional bone that anchors implant as well as solid osseous tissue. It is possible to create stable esthetically acceptable restorations using GBR prior to or in combination with implant placement. Correct diagnosis and timing boost the chances for success. Along with a well calculated therapeutic design, success is contingent on the effort and persistence of both the treatment team and the patient. The most promising end result may require multiple surgeries, punctuated by extensive healing periods.