What is the main purpose of guided tissue regeneration?

The main purpose of guided tissue regeneration is to prevent the migration of epithelium. This technique is applied in situations where there is a need to regenerate the periodontal tissues, including the bone, cementum, and periodontal ligament. By using barrier membranes, guided tissue regeneration restricts the movement of epithelial cells into the area where regeneration is desired. This is critical because if epithelial cells invade this space too early, they can impede the healing process and lead to inadequate regeneration of the connective tissue and bone.

The use of barrier membranes selectively allows for the migration of cells that contribute to the formation of new bone and soft tissue, thereby enhancing the healing of periodontal defects. This technique supports the principle that different cell types have varying abilities to repopulate a healing site, emphasizing the need to control which cells gain access to the area during the critical phases of healing and regeneration.