When this occurs, restoration of cementum, periodontal ligament and bone, previously lost to the periodontal infection, is often minimal and unpredictable. The theory of GTR proposes that placing a barrier between the overlying gingival tissues and the defect space prevents the faster-moving epithelium and gingival connective tissue from migrating into the wound space, allowing time for cementum, periodontal ligament and bone to repopulate the area.
Illustrations depict ideal case.
Individual results may vary.