Are you experiencing bone loss around your teeth due to gum disease? Has your dentist informed you that you’re at risk of tooth loss because of deteriorating supporting structures? Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR) at Dental West NYC on Manhattan’s Upper West Side may be the advanced solution you need to restore your oral health and save your natural teeth. Our minimally invasive approach prioritizes prevention and regeneration, utilizing cutting-edge technology to help rebuild what periodontal disease has damaged.
What Is Guided Tissue Regeneration?
Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR) is an advanced periodontal procedure designed to stimulate the regrowth of bone and tissue that has been lost due to periodontal disease. This innovative technique doesn’t just treat the symptoms of gum disease – it helps restore the supporting structures that have been damaged or destroyed.
When periodontal disease progresses, it creates pockets between your teeth and gums where bacteria thrive, leading to inflammation and deterioration of the supporting bone and periodontal ligament. Traditional treatments may remove the infection but can’t regenerate what’s been lost. GTR changes that by creating an environment where your body can naturally rebuild these crucial structures.
The procedure utilizes specialized membranes and, in some cases, bone grafting materials to:
- Direct the regrowth of bone and periodontal ligament
- Prevent unwanted soft tissue from interfering with healing
- Create a protected space for regeneration to occur
- Restore the supporting structures around your teeth
At Dental West NYC, we enhance our GTR procedures with our state-of-the-art PerioLase MVP-7 Nd:YAG laser – the only FDA-approved device to regrow bone – providing superior results with less discomfort and faster healing.
When Is Guided Tissue Regeneration Necessary?
You may benefit from Guided Tissue Regeneration if you:
- Have moderate to advanced periodontal disease
- Show signs of bone loss around your teeth
- Have deep periodontal pockets (over 5mm)
- Experience tooth mobility due to bone loss
- Want to save teeth that might otherwise require extraction
- Need to improve bone structure before dental implant placement
During your comprehensive examination, Dr. Michelle Kamel, our periodontal specialist, will evaluate your condition using digital imaging to determine if GTR is the right solution for your specific needs. We take x-rays only when necessary – typically every 2-2.5 years rather than annually – and we’re happy to use your existing x-rays if you can provide them.
The Guided Tissue Regeneration Procedure at Dental West NYC
At Dental West NYC, your comfort and care are our priorities throughout your Guided Tissue Regeneration procedure. Here’s what you can expect:
Before the Procedure
We’ll conduct a thorough examination of your oral health, including pocket depth measurements and digital imaging to assess bone loss. Dr. Kamel will discuss your treatment goals and develop a personalized plan for your GTR procedure.
During the Procedure
Your GTR procedure at our Upper West Side office typically takes 60-90 minutes, depending on how many teeth require treatment:
- We’ll administer a local anesthetic to ensure your complete comfort throughout the procedure. Sedation options are also available for patients with dental anxiety.
- Dr. Kamel will make small incisions in your gum tissue to create a flap, allowing access to the root surfaces and bone around your teeth.
- The area will be thoroughly cleaned to remove all bacteria, plaque, and tartar deposits.
- In many cases, we’ll use our advanced PerioLase MVP-7 Nd:YAG laser to eliminate remaining bacteria and stimulate the regeneration process.
- Depending on your specific needs, bone grafting material may be placed to help fill in areas of bone loss.
- A specialized membrane will be positioned between your gum tissue and bone. This membrane serves as a barrier, preventing fast-growing gum tissue from entering the space where bone should regenerate while allowing the slower-growing bone and periodontal ligament cells to rebuild.
- The gum tissue is then repositioned and secured with sutures to protect the treated area during healing.
After the Procedure
Following your GTR procedure, we’ll provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure optimal healing:
- Temporary diet modifications to soft foods
- Gentle oral hygiene practices around the treated area
- Antimicrobial mouth rinses to prevent infection
- Over-the-counter pain relievers if needed (most patients experience only mild discomfort)
Most patients can return to their normal activities within a day or two, though complete healing and regeneration may take several months. We’ll schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress and evaluate the success of the regeneration process.
Benefits of Guided Tissue Regeneration at Dental West NYC
When performed by our experienced dental team, Guided Tissue Regeneration offers numerous benefits:
Preservation of Natural Teeth
By regenerating the supporting structures around your teeth, GTR can save teeth that might otherwise require extraction, helping you maintain your natural smile.
Reduced Pocket Depths
The procedure helps eliminate deep periodontal pockets where bacteria thrive, making it easier to maintain good oral hygiene and preventing recurrence of infection.
Improved Bone Support
GTR stimulates the regrowth of bone, providing better support for your teeth and improving their long-term stability and function.
Enhanced Aesthetics
By rebuilding lost tissue and reducing gum recession, GTR can improve the appearance of your smile and eliminate the “long tooth” look that often accompanies periodontal disease.
Better Overall Health
Treating periodontal disease with GTR not only improves your oral health but may also reduce associated risks to your systemic health, including heart disease and diabetes.
Advanced Technology for Superior Results
At Dental West NYC, we utilize state-of-the-art technology for our GTR procedures, including our advanced PerioLase MVP-7 Nd:YAG laser. This FDA-approved device is the only laser proven to help regrow bone, offering significant advantages for our periodontal patients.
Why Choose Dental West NYC for Your Guided Tissue Regeneration
Our practice philosophy centers on minimally invasive, preventive dentistry using the most advanced technology. Our team includes Dr. Leora Walter, a surgically trained prosthodontist, and Dr. Michelle Kamel, who graduated with honors in Periodontics from New York University College of Dentistry and received extensive post-doctorate training in Periodontics & Implant Dentistry.
We take pride in our patient-centered approach, taking time to thoroughly explain your condition and treatment options. Our goal is to help you maintain your natural teeth for a lifetime through comprehensive prevention and targeted regenerative treatments when needed.
Book Your Consultation Today
If you’re experiencing periodontal disease or bone loss around your teeth, Dental West NYC offers the expertise and technology to achieve outstanding results with Guided Tissue Regeneration. Contact us today at (212) 580-4520 or book your appointment online to schedule a consultation. We offer free fluoride treatments during cleanings and use our advanced technology to provide you with the best possible care.
Dr. Leora Walter is a surgically trained prosthodontist and an elite dentists, with an expertise in cosmetic procedures at Dental West NYC on Manhattan’s Upper West Side.
Our services
Book now