Guided tissue regeneration (GTR)

Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) is a specialized surgical procedure used in periodontology and oral surgery to restore lost periodontal support structures, including the alveolar bone, periodontal ligament, and cementum [1]. It is not a molecular target, such as a protein or receptor, but rather a therapeutic technique based on the principle of selective cell repopulation [2]. The procedure involves the placement of a biocompatible barrier membrane over a tissue defect to physically exclude fast-growing gingival epithelium and connective tissue [3]. By preventing these tissues from occupying the space, GTR provides a protected environment where slower-growing osteoblasts and periodontal ligament fibers can proliferate and achieve functional attachment to the tooth root [4]. While the success of GTR is often enhanced by biological agents like enamel matrix derivatives or growth factors, the term itself refers to the mechanical process of guiding tissue growth rather than a specific pharmacological interaction [5].

Other names

Guided bone regenerationGBRPeriodontal tissue regenerationBarrier membrane technique

Physical exclusion of rapidly migrating epithelial and connective tissue cells to allow slower-growing osteogenic and periodontal ligament cells to repopulate a defect site.