GBR perio refers to Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR) used in periodontal (perio) procedures to regenerate lost bone and supporting tissues around teeth affected by periodontal disease. It's a surgical technique aimed at rebuilding bone lost due to periodontitis.
Understanding the Components:
- Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR): A dental surgical procedure that uses barrier membranes to direct the growth of new bone at sites with insufficient bone volume or dimensions.
- Periodontal (Perio) Disease: Also known as gum disease or periodontitis, it's an infection that damages the soft tissues and bone that support your teeth.
How GBR Works in Periodontal Treatment:
Periodontal disease can lead to bone loss around the teeth. This loss of bone can cause teeth to become loose and, ultimately, lead to tooth loss. GBR aims to reverse this process by:
- Cleaning the Affected Area: The area around the tooth (or teeth) affected by periodontal disease is thoroughly cleaned to remove bacteria and infected tissue.
- Bone Grafting (Optional): A bone graft material may be placed in the area where bone has been lost. This acts as a scaffold for new bone to grow. The bone graft can be from the patient (autograft), a donor (allograft), an animal source (xenograft), or a synthetic material (alloplast).
- Barrier Membrane Placement: A barrier membrane is placed over the bone graft (if used) and the surrounding bone. This membrane acts as a barrier to prevent faster-growing soft tissue from invading the bone regeneration site. This allows bone cells to populate the area and regenerate the lost bone.
- Closure: The gum tissue is then carefully stitched back into place, covering the membrane.
- Healing Period: A healing period of several months is required for the bone to regenerate. The membrane may be resorbable (dissolves on its own) or non-resorbable (requires removal in a second procedure).
Benefits of GBR in Periodontal Treatment:
- Increased Bone Support: Rebuilds bone lost due to periodontal disease, providing better support for teeth.
- Improved Tooth Stability: Strengthens the foundation of the teeth, reducing mobility and the risk of tooth loss.
- Enhanced Aesthetics: Can improve the appearance of the gums and teeth by filling in bone defects.
- Improved Long-Term Prognosis: Can help to stabilize the teeth and prevent further bone loss, improving the long-term prognosis for the dentition.
In summary, GBR perio is a surgical procedure used in the treatment of periodontal disease to regenerate lost bone and supporting tissues around teeth, ultimately improving tooth stability and long-term oral health.
