The
following diagrams describe the process of guided tissue (bone) regeneration.
The use of a resorbable or non-resorbable artificial membrane to keep
unwanted gum tissue away from the tooth and underlying bone. This permits the
undisturbed re-growth of new bone and thus additional stability of the tooth:
The diagram on the right shows a bone defect . The gum has been
flapped-back to visualize the full extent of the damage.
After the bone defect and the root surface has been adequately cleaned and
debrided, bone grafting material is then placed into the defect.
The guided-tissue membrane is then placed over the bone to seal the bone and
prevent the gum from migrating between the bone and the tooth surface.
Finally, the gum placed back over the membrane and closed with sutures
(stiches) . If the membrane is non-resorbable, it will hopefully remain
for 6 weeks and then removed surgically. If the membrane is resorbable, the
secondary surgical procedure will not be necessary.
After 3 to 4 months the bone has then regenerated, hopefully to its original
height. The pocket will then have reduced to a cleansible depth, hopefully 3 mm or
less.
The diagram on the right shows a bone defect . The gum has been
flapped-back to visualize the full extent of the damage. 
After the bone defect and the root surface has been adequately cleaned and
debrided, bone grafting material is then placed into the defect. 
The guided-tissue membrane is then placed over the bone to seal the bone and
prevent the gum from migrating between the bone and the tooth surface.
Finally, the gum placed back over the membrane and closed with sutures
(stiches) . If the membrane is non-resorbable, it will hopefully remain
for 6 weeks and then removed surgically. If the membrane is resorbable, the
secondary surgical procedure will not be necessary.
After 3 to 4 months the bone has then regenerated, hopefully to its original
height. The pocket will then have reduced to a cleansible depth, hopefully 3 mm or
less.