 Periodontist and Dental Implants in San Antonio, TX |
Regenerative Procedures
San Antonio & Pleasanton, TX
When gum disease or tooth loss damages the structures that support your teeth, the effects don't stop at the surface. Bone deteriorates. Gum tissue recedes. The foundation that holds teeth in place begins to break down. Regenerative periodontal procedures are designed to reverse that damage, rebuilding the tissue and bone your teeth depend on. At Aesthetic Periodontal & Implant Specialists, regenerative treatment is a core part of how we address advanced periodontal disease and prepare patients for long-term oral health. What Regenerative Procedures AddressPeriodontal disease is the leading cause of bone and tissue loss in the mouth. As bacterial infection works its way below the gumline, it triggers an inflammatory response that gradually destroys the periodontal ligament, the connective tissue, and the bone surrounding tooth roots. Left untreated, this destruction becomes permanent, and teeth may eventually loosen or be lost entirely. Regenerative procedures are used when that damage has already occurred and cleaning alone is no longer enough. The goal is to stimulate the body's own healing capacity, encouraging new bone and tissue to grow back in areas where it has been lost. Common conditions that may benefit from regenerative treatment include:
Types of Regenerative ProceduresThere is no single regenerative approach, and the right treatment depends on the type and extent of damage present. Your periodontist will evaluate your bone levels, pocket depths, and overall periodontal health before recommending a course of treatment. Bone GraftingBone grafting replaces lost bone volume using grafting material that serves as a framework for new bone growth. Over time, your body gradually integrates this material, rebuilding density and structure in areas where bone has deteriorated. Graft material can come from several sources, including processed bone from a tissue bank, synthetic materials engineered to support bone regeneration, or in some cases, bone from another area of your own body. The choice of graft material depends on the size of the affected area and what will best support new growth in that location. Bone grafting is commonly performed before or at the time of dental implant placement to ensure there is adequate bone volume to support the implant, and it is also used to treat defects created by periodontal disease. Guided Tissue RegenerationGuided tissue regeneration uses a biocompatible membrane placed between the gum tissue and the bone defect. This membrane acts as a barrier, keeping faster-growing soft tissue out of the healing space so that the slower-growing bone and periodontal ligament have time to regenerate without being crowded out. In some cases, guided tissue regeneration is performed alongside bone grafting to give the new bone material the best possible environment to integrate and mature. Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF)Platelet-rich fibrin is derived from a small sample of the patient's own blood, which is processed to concentrate growth factors. These growth factors play a central role in healing and tissue repair. When applied during a regenerative procedure, PRF can accelerate healing, reduce postoperative discomfort, and support more robust tissue regeneration. Because PRF comes from the patient's own blood, there is no risk of rejection or immune reaction, making it a well-tolerated addition to many regenerative protocols. Soft Tissue GraftingWhen gum recession has exposed tooth roots, soft tissue grafting can restore lost gum coverage. Graft material, often taken from the palate or sourced from a tissue bank, is placed at the recession site and sutured into position. As healing progresses, the new tissue integrates with the surrounding gum, improving coverage, reducing sensitivity, and protecting the root surface from further wear or bacterial exposure. Soft tissue grafting is also used to build up gum tissue around dental implants, ensuring the implant is surrounded by healthy, stable tissue rather than thinner, more vulnerable gingiva. What to Expect During and After TreatmentRegenerative procedures are typically performed under local anesthesia, and many patients find the experience more manageable than they anticipated. Depending on the complexity of the procedure, sedation options may also be available. Recovery varies by the type of procedure performed. Most patients experience some swelling and tenderness in the days following surgery, which can be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter medications. Dietary modifications, activity restrictions, and specific hygiene instructions will be provided to protect the surgical site while healing progresses. The regenerative process itself takes time. Bone regeneration, in particular, occurs gradually over several months. Follow-up appointments allow your periodontist to monitor healing, check that tissue is maturing appropriately, and make any adjustments to your care plan as needed. The Role of Regeneration in Long-Term Periodontal HealthRegenerative treatment does not cure periodontal disease, and it is not a substitute for consistent maintenance. The bacteria responsible for gum disease are persistent, and without regular professional care, the damage can recur. Periodontal maintenance visits every three to four months, combined with thorough home care, are essential to preserving the results of regenerative procedures. That said, successful regeneration can meaningfully change a patient's long-term outlook. Rebuilding lost bone and tissue strengthens the foundation of the teeth that remain, can make implant placement possible where it previously was not, and supports a healthier oral environment overall. Find Out If Regenerative Treatment Is Right for You
If you have been diagnosed with periodontal bone loss, experienced significant gum recession, or been told you may not have enough bone for dental implants, regenerative procedures may offer a path forward. Aesthetic Periodontal & Implant Specialists specializes in the full range of periodontal and implant therapies, including regenerative treatment. To schedule a consultation and discuss your options, contact our office at (210) 614-4700. |
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| Hours
Monday-Thursday: 7:30AM – 3:30PM Friday: By Appointment Only |
