GUIDED TISSUE REGENERATION IN FURCATION DEFECTS

Abstract

One of the indications for guided tissue regeneration (GTR) is furcation lesion. Periodontal regeneration of this type of defects is not predictable, especially in terms of complete bone fill. Furcation is the area between the roots of the teeth. Furcation defect refers to the pathological destruction of periodontal tissues of this region. It occurs because of the progression of periodontal disease, endodontic involvement, or occlusal changes. One important factor for successful regeneration at furcation sites is the amount of periodontal tissue that remains apical and lateral to the defect. Correct diagnosis will determine the ideal treatment modality. With the advent of GTR, there has been improvement in the prognosis of furcation defect treatments. This chapter reviews the current literature on the treatment of furcation defects, with particular emphasis on guided tissue regeneration.