The tissues adjacent to the teeth will be
gently probed with a calibrated, ruler-like instrument. These measurements,
together with a dental X-ray, will help determine the appropriate treatment for
the involved teeth.There are many regenerative techniques and methods. Bone purchased from bone
banks has been used effectively as a regenerative material for over 30 years.
This bone is procured from healthy individuals, is carefully processed, and has
been proven safe. Treatment consists of carefully moving the gum tissue away
from the involved teeth and removing tarter (calculus) deposits from the root
surfaces.
The bony defect is gently filled with the bone bank material (allogenic
bone) or other synthetic materials. The gums are then replaced around the neck
of the teeth with small sutures. The sutures are removed within five to seven
days, and gentle tooth brushing can resume.
Synthetic bone substitutes have been developed to simulate natural bone.
These materials are safe, and may help support the involved teeth. Such
substitutes are implanted through
periodontal surgery. Recently, cow
bone, which is carefully prepared, sterilized, and safe, has been used to repair
defects next to teeth. This bone is porous, allowing bone from the patient to
grow into the pores. New technologies have developed porcine (pig) proteins,
which, when painted onto teeth, allow for natural regeneration of tooth cementum
and bone. These materials have demonstrated early promising clinical results.
The use of barrier membranes to protect and isolate bony defects has been used
for over 15 years. These are made from synthetic, non-dissolvable materials,
dissolvable materials, or bovine collagen (cow collagen). Membranes are
frequently used either with synthetic graft materials or with bone purchased
from bone banks. Recently, proteins have been joined to synthetic bone.
This
material enhances cell attachment to root surfaces and may provide an effective
method for
periodontal regeneration. In the future, proteins that stimulate bone
formation and enhance formation of new root cementum will make periodontal
regeneration a simple, effective method to save teeth with advanced disease.
The
materials discussed above have been published in dental journals, are safe, and
generally result in tooth retention with bone fill of the treated bony defects.
Articles relating to
periodontal regeneration can be researched from PubMed
using the following key words: "periodontal,"
"regeneration," "allogenic bone," "synthetic bone
grafting," and "barrier membranes."
