Interproximal tissue maintenance in GTR procedures: description of a surgical technique and 1-year reentry results

Guided tissue regeneration procedures often result in the loss of gingival tissue. This postoperative problem is associated with the treatment of interproximal periodontal defects. A surgical technique is presented which preserves the interproximal tissue, facilitating primary and sustained coverage of the guided tissue regeneration barrier. Twelve interproximal defects were treated with this technique using Gore-Tex Periodontal Material. The Gore-Tex Periodontal Material remained in place for 4 months. The sites were reentered at 1 year and clinical parameters were recorded. At 4 months, 11 of 12 sites demonstrated no exposure of the Gore-Tex Periodontal Material. Mean gain in bone fill was 95%, and three sites demonstrated supracrestal bone deposition. Only 0.58 mm of gingival recession occurred. This study suggests that with ideal gingival flap management, enhanced regenerative and esthetic results can be achieved.