Name of the Procedure:

Guided Tissue Regeneration - Resorbable Barrier (D4266)

Summary

Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR) with a resorbable barrier is a dental procedure aimed at regrowing lost bone and tissue around teeth. It is often used in cases where gums have receded or bone loss has occurred due to periodontal disease.

Purpose

The primary purpose of GTR is to encourage the body to regrow lost bone and gum tissue around the teeth. This helps in stabilizing teeth and preventing further bone and tissue degeneration.

Indications

GTR is indicated for:

• Patients with periodontal disease leading to gum recession and bone loss.
• Teeth showing mobility due to loss of supporting bone.
• Cases where bone augmentation is needed for dental implants.

Preparation

Pre-procedure instructions may include:

• Fasting for a few hours before the procedure, if sedation is planned.
• Adjusting or discontinuing certain medications as per the dentist's or surgeon's advice.
• Undergoing diagnostic tests like X-rays or CT scans to assess bone loss.

Procedure Description

1. Local anesthesia or sedation is administered to numb the area.
2. The dentist makes an incision in the gums to expose the bone and root surfaces.
3. The area is thoroughly cleaned to remove any infected tissue and bacteria.
4. A resorbable barrier membrane is placed between the gum tissue and the bone.
5. The gums are repositioned and sutured back into place.
6. Over time, the barrier membrane dissolves as new tissue and bone grow around the teeth.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 1-2 hours, depending on the extent of the area being treated.

Setting

The procedure is usually performed in a dental office or an outpatient surgical center.

Personnel

• Periodontist or dental surgeon.
• Dental assistants.
• Anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist, if sedation is used.

Risks and Complications

Common risks include:

• Infection at the surgical site.
• Swelling and bruising.
• Pain or discomfort post-procedure. Rare complications may involve:
• Rejection of the membrane.
• Prolonged bleeding. Any complications are generally manageable with the guidance of the dental provider.

Benefits

• Regeneration of bone and gum tissue.
• Stabilization of teeth.
• Prevention of further tissue and bone loss. Benefits can typically be noticed several months after the procedure, as it takes time for new tissue to form.

Recovery

Post-procedure care includes:

• Following a soft diet for a few days.
• Avoiding rigorous physical activity.
• Taking prescribed antibiotics and pain medications.
• Regular follow-up visits for monitoring.
• Recovery might take several weeks to a few months, with gradual resumption of normal activities.

Alternatives

Other treatments include:

• Non-surgical periodontal therapies like scaling and root planing.
• Use of non-resorbable barriers which might require a second surgery to remove them.
• Bone grafting procedures.
• Each alternative has its own pros and cons, such as the need for additional surgery or varying success rates.

Patient Experience

During the procedure, patients will generally not feel pain due to anesthesia. Some pressure or movement may be felt. Post-procedure, there may be moderate discomfort managed with pain relief medications. Swelling and mild pain are common but will subside within a few days.

Comfort measures include:

• Ice packs to reduce swelling.
• Soft diet to avoid irritation of the surgical site.
• Prescribed painkillers to manage discomfort.