What does guided tissue regeneration (GTR) involve?

Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) is a surgical procedure aimed at promoting the regeneration of lost periodontal structures, particularly the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. The technique involves the use of barrier membranes, which serve as physical barriers to guide the growth of specific types of tissue. These membranes prevent the fast-growing epithelial and connective tissues from occupying the space where the slower-healing bone and periodontal ligament cells should regenerate.

By using barrier membranes, clinicians can create an environment conducive to the selective regeneration of periodontal structures, ensuring that the desired tissues have the opportunity to heal undisturbed. This mechanism is critical for successful outcomes in periodontal surgery, as it allows for more predictable and effective tissue regeneration.

While the use of surgical scaffolds to support bone growth and injecting growth factors can be components of regenerative strategies, they do not specifically define GTR. Additionally, harvesting tissue from the same site does not align with the principles of GTR, which focuses primarily on using barriers to facilitate natural healing processes. Thus, the key aspect of GTR is indeed the usage of barrier membranes to direct the growth of specific types of tissue necessary for restoring periodontal health.