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Maggok Dental_4. Is it over once the jawbone has melted away? How to save natural teeth with guided tissue regeneration (GTR)

Seoul DIA Dental Clinic · 서울디아치과의원 · February 5, 2026

Hello. We are Magok Seoul Dia Dental Clinic, here to comfortably explain only the stories your gums need right now. In Part 3, we talked about gingival flap surgery, which directly...

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This page is an English translation of a Korean Naver Blog archive entry. For exact wording and source context, verify against the Korean archive original and the original Naver post.

Clinic: Seoul DIA Dental Clinic

Original post date: February 5, 2026

Translated at: April 20, 2026 at 5:33 AM

Medical note: This translation does not guarantee medical accuracy or suitability for treatment decisions.

Hello.

We are Magok Seoul Dia Dental Clinic, here to comfortably explain only the stories your gums need right now.

In Part 3, we talked about gingival flap surgery, which directly examines and removes deep gum inflammation.

At this point, you may have thought, “Ah… so even gums can end up needing surgery.”

(If you missed it, check it through the link below!) But then this next question always comes up.

“Can already lost gum bone be restored too...?”

To get straight to the point,

in some cases, yes, if the conditions are right.

That method is called [guided tissue regeneration (GTR)].

What is guided tissue regeneration (GTR)?

Maggok Dental_4. Is it over once the jawbone has melted away? How to save natural teeth with guided tissue regeneration (GTR) image 1

Maggok Dental_Guided Tissue Regeneration

Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) is

a treatment that “creates an environment” so that

gum bone and periodontal tissues lost due to periodontal disease can grow again.

In simple terms,

it is not just scattering seeds on land where all the grass has died,

but building a fence, watering, and blocking sunlight

to create space for new sprouts to grow.

That is guided tissue regeneration.

When do we consider this treatment?

Maggok Dental_4. Is it over once the jawbone has melted away? How to save natural teeth with guided tissue regeneration (GTR) image 2

If the following situations apply,

GTR may be helpful.

  1. When a tooth begins to feel loose

  2. When reduced gum bone is visible on an X-ray

  3. When there has been significant bone loss even after gingival flap surgery

  4. When you want to save a natural tooth rather than get an implant

However, it is not possible in every case.

If bone loss is too severe

or hygiene management is difficult,

another treatment may be safer.

Guided tissue regeneration is performed like this

Maggok Dental_4. Is it over once the jawbone has melted away? How to save natural teeth with guided tissue regeneration (GTR) image 3

Maggok Dental_GTR Process

Step 1. Precise diagnosis

With X-ray and CT,

we check how much bone has been reduced

and how close it is to the nerves.

Step 2. Open the gums and remove the inflammation

We open the gums and thoroughly remove inflammation from the tooth roots

and inside the gum bone.

Step 3. Fill with bone graft material

We place bone graft material suited to the condition

into the empty space.

Step 4. Cover with a membrane

A thin membrane (barrier membrane) is placed on top

to prevent the gum tissue from growing in first.

Thanks to this,

space is secured for bone and periodontal tissues to grow.

Step 5. Suturing and recovery

The gums are closed and sutured.

It usually takes about 2 to 3 months for the bone to settle.

Three questions people ask a lot

Maggok Dental_4. Is it over once the jawbone has melted away? How to save natural teeth with guided tissue regeneration (GTR) image 4

Maggok Dental_Pain after surgery

Q1. Does it hurt a lot?

Most people experience mild pain,

with some swelling and bleeding,

and a heavy feeling.

You can think of it as discomfort for a few days.

Maggok Dental_4. Is it over once the jawbone has melted away? How to save natural teeth with guided tissue regeneration (GTR) image 5

Maggok Dental_Health insurance

Q2. Is it covered by insurance?

Yes, it is covered by national health insurance.

(This is different from implant bone grafting.)

However, there can be individual differences depending on the treatment scope, difficulty,

whether growth factors are used,

and the type of materials.

Maggok Dental_4. Is it over once the jawbone has melted away? How to save natural teeth with guided tissue regeneration (GTR) image 6

Maggok Dental_Severe tooth mobility.

Q3. Can it be done in every case?

If the bone loss is too widespread,

if tooth mobility is severe,

if gum inflammation is not controlled,

or if management is difficult,

extraction may be the safer choice.

Let’s summarize today’s story.

Guided tissue regeneration (GTR)

is a treatment that creates an environment so that gum bone lost due to gum disease

can grow again.

It is considered when a tooth is loose

or when gum bone has decreased,

and when you want to save a natural tooth.

The gums are opened to remove inflammation,

and a space for regeneration is created with bone graft material and a barrier membrane.

Most people experience swelling and

mild pain,

and insurance coverage is also possible.

However, it is not possible in every case,

so an accurate diagnosis and consultation are essential.

Maggok Dental_4. Is it over once the jawbone has melted away? How to save natural teeth with guided tissue regeneration (GTR) image 7

Maggok Seoul Dia Dental Clinic

Maggok Seoul Dia Dental Clinic

does not recommend implants first by default.

If possible, we think together about

a way to save your natural teeth first.

“Do I really need to do this?”

“Is now the right time?”

We truly welcome these questions.^^

Please don’t worry alone,

and come to Magok Seoul Dia Dental Clinic to comfortably check your current gum condition.

Next time, in Part 5 of the gum treatment series,

we will tell you about pain management after gum treatment

and a meal guide.

[ This post was written in accordance with the Medical Service Act for the purpose of providing accurate information about dental surgery and procedures. Since infection and side effects may occur after surgery, the procedure should be decided only after consultation with a skilled medical professional. ]

[ Magok Seoul Dia Dental Clinic Gum Treatment Series ]

  1. Early gingivitis symptoms and self-diagnosis

  2. Differences between root planing and periodontal curettage

  3. The stage at which gingival flap surgery is needed and the process

  4. What is guided tissue regeneration (GTR)?

  5. Pain management and meal guide after gum treatment

  6. Maintenance after treatment and the interval for regular gum checkups

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