← All explanationsGuided tissue regeneration

Can lost tooth-supporting tissue be rebuilt?

Guided tissue regeneration, or GTR, aims to support new supporting tissue in selected periodontal defects. A barrier can exclude rapidly growing tissues. Not every defect is suitable, and complete rebuilding is not guaranteed.

For training & practice ↓

Simplified section of a single-root tooth with a lateral bone defect and a barrier membrane. — Example of a contained bone defect beside a natural tooth.

01 / 03

Select the defect

Shape, depth, inflammation control and oral hygiene influence planning.

02 / 03

Protect the space

A membrane separates tissue compartments; additional materials may be used.

03 / 03

Support healing

Follow-up and continuing supportive care remain important.

Read the full explanation

Select the defect
Shape, depth, inflammation control and oral hygiene influence planning.
Protect the space
A membrane separates tissue compartments; additional materials may be used.
Support healing
Follow-up and continuing supportive care remain important.

Notes on the teaching images

Example of a contained bone defect beside a natural tooth.
Membrane principle · no newly formed bone is depicted.
Symbolic illustration of follow-up and review; no regeneration outcome is promised.

For your visit: open the communication cards

Watch the short explanation ↓

At a glance

For whom?

Selected periodontal defects.

How?

A protected regeneration space.

Limit?

No guaranteed complete replacement.

Knowledge in motion

Explained in 36 seconds.

Three steps. No audio.
Each scene can also be selected manually.

Landscape film (MP4) · Portrait film (MP4)

Silent educational film with German on-screen text and simplified teaching images. Not a patient case or a promised treatment outcome. The full English explanation is available as text.

Go to film text

Often confused

GTR versus GBR

GTR targets supporting tissues around a tooth; GBR refers to guided bone regeneration, often in a different treatment setting.

Quick answers

Is it just a bone substitute?

No. GTR is a biological treatment principle. Bone substitutes may be part of treatment but are not synonymous with it.

Will all lost tissue regrow?

That cannot be promised; the defect and individual conditions limit outcomes.

Does it replace hygiene?

No. Plaque control and ongoing care remain necessary.

At the practice

For a personal discussion

Editorially suggested question to discuss with Dr Niusha Barahmand Pour:

Which features of my defect affect treatment options?

Discuss whether specialist regenerative assessment could be appropriate for a periodontal defect.

Discuss periodontal findingsAppointment selection at Doctolib

Meet Dr. Niusha Barahmand Pour ↗

Learning layer for training & practiceUnderstand terminology and deepen knowledge

GTR: Guided tissue regeneration.
Membrane: A barrier separating tissues.
Regeneration: Formation of lost tissue structures where biologically possible.

Make the distinction

GTR targets supporting tissues around a tooth; GBR refers to guided bone regeneration, often in a different treatment setting.

Knowledge questionWhat is GTR?

For learning, not for assessing personal symptoms. Your answer is not stored or sent.

A principle supporting regeneration in selected defects.
A guarantee of complete bone replacement.
Only a toothpaste brand.

View answer

A principle supporting regeneration in selected defects.

Suitability and outcome depend on the defect.

Sources and context

Editorial research: 2026-11-06. General information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Teaching illustrations are simplified and do not depict a patient case.