Guided Tissue Regeneration in Old Street, City Road & Enfield

Rebuilding Bone to Support Dental Implants

Guided bone regeneration (GBR) is a surgical technique used to help rebuild bone in areas of the jaw where there isn’t enough volume or width to support a dental implant. It’s generally carried out as part of a wider implant treatment plan, either before or at the same time as an implant is placed, rather than as a standalone treatment.

At Dental Arts Studio in City Road and Enfield, London, our team assesses your jawbone carefully to confirm whether guided bone regeneration is needed, and whether it is a suitable option as part of your treatment plan.

Been Told You May Not Have Enough Bone for an Implant?

0207 250 3536 (City Road) | 0208 362 3110 (Enfield)

What Is Guided Bone Regeneration?

After a tooth is lost or removed, the bone that once supported it can gradually shrink over time. Gum disease, infection, injury, or wearing a denture for many years can also reduce the amount of bone available. Where bone is lost, the surrounding soft tissue tends to fill the space more quickly than new bone can form. Guided bone regeneration involves placing a bone graft material into the area and covering it with a thin, protective membrane. The membrane keeps the faster-growing gum tissue out, giving the graft and your own bone cells the space and time they need to form new bone.

Guided bone regeneration may be used to help with:

Bone that is too thin or too short to hold a dental implant securely
Bone loss following a tooth extraction, injury, or infection
Preserving the bone in a tooth socket after an extraction, in some cases
Small areas of exposed implant surface where bone is lacking during implant placement

Whether guided bone regeneration is suitable for you depends on the amount, shape, and location of the bone loss, which your dentist or implant surgeon will assess.

Who May Benefit from Guided Bone Regeneration?

This treatment may be considered if you:

Would like a dental implant but have been told there isn’t enough bone in the area
Have had a tooth missing for some time and the bone has shrunk
Are having a tooth removed and want to help preserve the bone for a future implant
Have bone loss from a previous infection, injury, or long-term denture wear

Guided bone regeneration is usually recommended as part of a broader implant treatment plan, rather than on its own. Your dentist will explain how it fits into your overall care.

How Guided Bone Regeneration Is Used

At the same time as implant placement

Where there is enough bone to hold an implant steady but some areas are thin, bone graft material and a membrane can be placed around the implant during the same procedure, reducing the number of surgical appointments needed.

Before implant placement

Where bone loss is more significant, the bone may need to be rebuilt first. The area is then left to heal for several months before the implant is placed in a separate appointment.

After a tooth extraction

In some cases, graft material and a membrane can be placed into the socket at the time a tooth is removed, helping to limit bone shrinkage and keep the site better prepared for a future implant.

Before Your Treatment

Assessment

Your dentist examines the area and usually arranges X-rays or a 3D CT scan to measure the height, width, and quality of the bone and plan whether guided bone regeneration is needed.

Discussing your treatment plan

Your dentist explains how the procedure fits into your implant treatment, including whether it can be carried out at the same time as the implant or needs to be done beforehand.

Treatment planning

You’ll be given clear information about the procedure, the type of graft and membrane material recommended, the expected healing time, and the estimated cost before treatment begins.

The Guided Bone Regeneration Process

Step 1: Preparing the area

The area is numbed with local anaesthetic, and the gum is gently lifted to access the underlying bone.

Step 2: Placing the bone graft

Bone graft material is placed where extra bone is needed. This may be your own bone, a carefully processed donor or animal-derived material, or a synthetic substitute, depending on your case.

Step 3: Placing the membrane

A thin, biocompatible membrane is placed over the graft to protect it and keep the gum tissue from growing into the space. Many membranes gradually dissolve on their own, while others are removed at a later stage.

Step 4: Closing the gum

The gum tissue is repositioned over the area and stitched so that it can heal undisturbed.

Step 5: Healing period

New bone forms gradually over the following months. Your dentist will monitor your progress during this time.

Step 6: Review

Follow-up appointments, often with X-rays or a scan, allow your dentist to check that enough bone has formed before moving on to the next stage, such as placing or restoring your dental implant.

Benefits of Guided Bone Regeneration

For suitable patients, guided bone regeneration may help:

Make dental implant treatment possible where there wasn’t enough bone before
Provide a more stable foundation for the long-term support of an implant
Restore bone contour, which can help the final implant tooth look more natural
Limit bone shrinkage after a tooth has been removed

As with any regenerative procedure, results vary between individuals and depend on factors such as the amount of bone lost, your general health, and how well the area is cared for afterwards. Your dentist can discuss what’s realistically achievable for your case.

Cost of Guided Bone Regeneration

The cost of guided bone regeneration depends on the size of the area being treated, the graft and membrane materials used, and whether it is carried out at the same time as implant placement or as a separate procedure.

Treatment fees

We provide clear costs before any treatment begins, so you can make an informed decision without pressure.

Payment and finance

[Finance options](https://www.dentalartsstudio.co.uk/dental-finance/) may be available to help spread the cost of treatment — please ask our team for details.

Want to Discuss Your Treatment Plan?

0207 250 3536 | 0208 362 3110

Caring for the Area After Treatment

Following this guidance supports healing and helps protect the graft while new bone forms.

Follow specific hygiene instructions — Your dentist may advise a gentle cleaning routine and an antibacterial mouthwash while the area heals.
Take any prescribed medication as directed — This may include pain relief or, in some cases, antibiotics.
Avoid disturbing the area — Refrain from touching the site, pulling at your lip to look at it, or chewing directly on the treated side.
Take care with dentures — If you wear a denture, your dentist will advise when and how it can be worn so it doesn’t press on the graft.
Avoid smoking where possible — Smoking can affect healing and the success of bone grafting.
Attend all follow-up appointments — Regular review allows your dentist to monitor healing over the following months.
Contact us if you notice a problem — Ongoing pain, swelling, bleeding, or any material coming through the gum should be checked rather than left.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I suitable for guided bone regeneration?

This depends on how much bone has been lost, the shape of the area, and your general and oral health. Your dentist will assess this, usually with X-rays or a CT scan, to confirm whether the technique is appropriate for you.

What is the difference between guided bone regeneration and guided tissue regeneration?

Both use a protective membrane to help the body regenerate tissue. Guided tissue regeneration is mainly used to repair bone and supporting tissue around a natural tooth affected by gum disease, while guided bone regeneration focuses on rebuilding bone in the jaw, most often to support a dental implant.

Does the procedure hurt?

The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic to keep you comfortable. Some swelling, bruising, or discomfort afterwards is common and can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relief, as advised by your dentist.

Where does the bone graft material come from?

Graft material may come from your own body, from a processed donor or animal source, or be a synthetic substitute. Your dentist will explain which option they recommend and why, and answer any questions you have about the materials used.

How long does it take for the bone to heal?

Bone regeneration is a gradual process, generally taking several months. Your dentist will monitor your healing and let you know when it’s appropriate to place or restore your implant.

Is guided bone regeneration always successful?

As with any regenerative procedure, results vary between individuals and depend on factors including the extent of bone loss, general health, smoking, and aftercare. Your dentist can discuss what’s realistically achievable based on your specific case.

How much does guided bone regeneration cost?

Costs depend on the size of the area being treated, the materials used, and whether it’s carried out alongside your implant or as a separate stage. We provide clear costs before any treatment begins so you know what to expect.

Want to Find Out If You Have Enough Bone for an Implant? Book a Consultation

If you’ve been told you may need a bone graft before an implant, or you’d like to understand more about your options for replacing missing teeth, our team is happy to talk you through it.

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