Guided bone regeneration for dental implants

Abstract

Guided bone regeneration (GBR) membranes were originally developed to promote new tissue growth within a protected volumetric defect for periodontal regeneration. The desire to promote new bone growth without resorting to grafting procedures led to the widespread use of this technique in implant surgery. The main aim is to allow ingress of bone cells to promote bone formation within the defect. Over the last two decades, the development of the technique of guided bone regeneration (GBR) has had a significant impact on esthetic reconstruction in conjunction with implant therapy. This technique involves the use of physical barrier membranes during the healing phase in order to avoid ingrowths of undesired tissue types into a wound area. Different practical aspects related to the use of bone graft and guided bone regeneration for dental implants will be revealed.