The healing processes in the mouth are not all the same. Bone takes a much longer time to heal than the soft tissues. When a bone graft is needed for implant placement, it is important to ensure that the surrounding soft tissues do not interfere with that healing process.
Since the soft tissue of the gum heals considerably faster than bone tissue, without preventive measures, the gum tissue may grow over into the bone graft area. This will impede the bone grafting process. In order to prevent this type of situation from occurring, a barrier membrane must be placed between the bone graft and the gum tissue.
Barrier membranes used to protect bone graft sites are either dissolvable or non-dissolvable. The former type are resorbed into the system and do not need to be removed. These types of membrane barriers usually dissolve on their own within a couple of months.
The non-dissolvable membranes are removed at some point during the implant process. This requires another small surgical procedure. An incision is made in the gum and the membrane is removed. This happens after the bone graft is well on its way to regenerating more bone tissue.
What is Guided Tissue Regeneration?
When a bone graft is needed for a dental implant, it is important that gum tissue does not grow over into the bone graft area. A piece of membrane material is placed over the area where the bone needs to be regenerated. This membrane encourages the growth of bone. At the same time, it prevents the gum tissue from interfering with the process.
If the barrier is not in place, the gum tissue will grow into the grafting area, and the bone graft will not work as planned. The bone at the implant site needs to be dense enough and healthy in order to fuse properly with the implant. Gum tissue in this area prevents this from happening.
Preparing the gums and jawbone for a dental implant can be involved, depending on the health of both. At Ora Dental Implant Studio, we provide thorough exams and consultations about a patient’s suitability for a dental implant and procedures to make it successful. Contact us if you are considering dental implants.