Development of the biological concept of guided tissue regeneration

The ultimate goal of periodontal therapy has been the regeneration of the supporting tissues lost as a consequence of inflammatory periodontal disease. This implies the formation of a new connective tissue attachment, i.e., new cementum with inserting colla- gen fibers, at diseased (denuded) root surfaces and also, preferably, the regrowth of alveolar bone. A new treatment modality, guided tissue regeneration (GTR), based on the principle of guiding the prolifer- ation of the various periodontal tissue components during healing following periodontal surgery, has ac- complished this goal.