Guided Bone Regeneration in the Oral Cavity: A Review

Abstract

Guided bone regeneration (GBR) in the oral cavity is defined according to the American Academy of Periodontology as " procedures attempting to regenerate lost periodontal structures through different tissue responses... typically referring to ridge augmentation or bone regeneration procedures. " GBR evolved from guided tissue regeneration (GTR) techniques directed toward regenerating tissues in osseous defects adjacent to natural teeth. One of the objectives of GBR is formation of new bone at sites deficient in bone volume. Another objective is to treat fenestrations and dehiscences at implant surfaces as well as defects associated with immediate implant placement into extraction sites. GBR has allowed for placement of restorations at a more ideal location in the oral cavity, thus improving esthetics and function. This paper is a review of current techniques of GBR for ridge preservation.