Bone Regeneration for Gum Disease
 Gum disease bone loss treatment is a critical focus for patients with advanced periodontitis. When periodontal disease reaches deeper layers, it can destroy the bone supporting your teeth—compromising stability and overall oral health. At Periodontal Health Professionals, we offer advanced bone regeneration for gum disease to help reverse this damage and preserve your smile.
Understanding Bone Loss from Gum Disease
Periodontitis is a chronic infection that damages the soft tissue and gradually erodes the bone anchoring your teeth. As this process unfolds, it can lead to jawbone loss, shifting teeth, and even tooth loss if left untreated.
Signs of bone loss from gum disease include:
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Loose or shifting teeth - A common symptom as bone support weakens.
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Deep periodontal pockets - Spaces form between the teeth and gums due to bone destruction.
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Gum recession - The gumline pulls away, exposing more of the tooth.
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Changes in bite or chewing ability - Bone loss alters tooth alignment. |
Early gum disease causes inflammation and bleeding, while more advanced stages result in oral bone loss and significant damage to the jaw structure. Without intervention, untreated periodontitis can severely impact facial aesthetics and eliminate candidacy for implants.
What Is Bone Regeneration for Gum Disease?
Bone regeneration is a specialized periodontal procedure that restores lost bone tissue using biological techniques. This process helps reverse damage caused by periodontitis and can improve tooth stability or prepare the area for future dental implants.
A common method used is guided tissue regeneration (GTR). This involves placing a biocompatible membrane between the gum and bone to promote new tissue growth and prevent the gum from interfering with bone healing.
Compared to non-surgical treatments like scaling and root planing, regenerative therapy for gum disease targets deep, structural damage—making it ideal for moderate to severe cases.
Types of Bone Grafts and Regenerative Materials
Bone regeneration procedures rely on grafting materials that support and encourage natural bone regrowth. Several types of grafts may be used depending on your specific clinical situation:
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Autografts - Bone harvested from your own body, often from the jaw or hip.
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Allografts - Donor bone from a human source, processed for safety and compatibility.
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Xenografts - Bone from animal sources, typically bovine, treated for use in humans.
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Synthetic Grafts - Lab-created materials that mimic bone structure and support regrowth. |
In many cases, a membrane barrier is also placed to aid guided bone regeneration. All materials are selected based on your health history, bone volume, and treatment goals to ensure biocompatibility and effective healing.
Who Is a Candidate for Periodontal Bone Regeneration?
Not every patient with gum disease needs bone regeneration, but it's often recommended for those with significant bone loss or those planning future implants.
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Moderate to severe bone loss - Detected during periodontal evaluations or imaging.
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Healthy enough for surgery - Patients without conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or immune disorders.
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Post-extraction sites - Bone regeneration may be used to preserve or rebuild the jawbone.
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Implant preparation - Ensures sufficient bone volume for stable implant placement. |
Factors like smoking, poor oral hygiene, or chronic health issues may delay or disqualify a patient until those concerns are addressed. A complete periodontal evaluation is essential to determine if regenerative therapy for gum disease is right for you.
What to Expect During the Procedure
The periodontal bone regeneration procedure is performed under local anesthesia or sedation for maximum comfort. Most treatments are completed in a single outpatient visit.
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Your periodontist numbs the area and makes small incisions to access the bone.
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Graft material is placed where bone loss has occurred.
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A protective membrane may be applied over the graft.
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The gum tissue is sutured back into place to begin healing. |
Modern techniques and surgical precision help minimize discomfort, and most patients describe only mild soreness after the procedure. Healing begins immediately and continues over several months.
Recovery and Aftercare
Dental bone graft recovery involves careful aftercare to protect the surgical site and promote bone regeneration. You may experience minor swelling, bruising, or tenderness in the days following surgery.
Key recovery steps include:
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Avoid disturbing the area - No brushing or flossing the site for a few days.
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Follow medication guidelines - Take prescribed antibiotics and pain relievers as directed.
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Soft foods only - Stick to a soft diet for the first few days to prevent irritation.
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Oral hygiene - Resume gentle brushing around the area as instructed by your provider. |
Long-term healing can take 3–6 months as the graft material integrates with your natural bone. Follow-up visits are vital to monitor progress and ensure success.
Results and Long-Term Benefits
Bone regeneration for gum disease offers long-lasting benefits for oral health and stability. Over time, the regenerated bone improves support for your teeth or provides a solid foundation for dental implants.
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Improved jaw stability - Helps prevent further tooth movement or loss.
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Enhanced implant candidacy - Restores sufficient bone volume for future restorations.
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Preserved facial structure - Prevents sunken appearance associated with jawbone loss.
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Reduced risk of recurring gum disease - Stronger tissue barriers lower the chance of reinfection. |
Many patients report high satisfaction after periodontal bone regeneration, thanks to the combined cosmetic and functional improvements.
How Bone Regeneration Fits Into Your Full Gum Disease Treatment Plan
Bone regeneration is often just one part of a larger periodontal strategy. Depending on the severity of your condition, other treatments may be needed before or after regenerative surgery.
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Scaling and root planing - Deep cleaning to remove bacterial buildup.
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Gum surgery - Recontouring of gum tissue may be needed in some cases.
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Ongoing maintenance care - Routine cleanings and check-ups to prevent relapse.
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Home care - Brushing, flossing, and anti-bacterial rinses to maintain oral health. |
Effective treatment requires collaboration between your general dentist and periodontist. Regeneration is not a one-time fix—it must be supported by long-term care and excellent hygiene habits.
Schedule a Consultation
If you’ve been diagnosed with periodontitis or have experienced jawbone loss, a personalized consultation can determine whether bone regeneration for gum disease is right for you. Our team at Periodontal Health Professionals will evaluate your condition, review your health history, and design a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Call (856) 702-4340 to learn more about insurance coverage, available options, and how early intervention can protect your smile.
FAQs
What causes bone loss from gum disease?
Bone loss occurs when chronic periodontal infection damages the bone supporting your teeth. The bacteria trigger an inflammatory response that gradually erodes bone tissue, especially in untreated or advanced cases of gum disease.
How long does it take to heal from bone regeneration surgery?
Initial healing from periodontal bone regeneration typically takes 1–2 weeks, but full bone integration can take several months. Your periodontist will schedule follow-up visits to monitor your progress and guide your aftercare.
Are bone grafts safe for treating gum disease?
Yes, bone grafts used in periodontal treatments are thoroughly screened and selected for safety and biocompatibility. They are commonly used in modern dentistry and have a high success rate in regenerating lost bone.
Can bone regeneration prevent tooth loss?
Yes, bone regeneration strengthens the bone structure that supports your teeth. In many cases, this helps prevent further loosening or loss of teeth and improves the longevity of your natural smile. |
