Traditionally, eliminating the gum pockets by trimming away the infected gum tissue and by re-contouring the uneven bone tissue treats gum disease. Although this is still an effective way of treating gum disease, new procedures are used routinely today.
Guided Tissue Regeneration may "regenerate" the previously lost gum and bone tissue. Most techniques utilise membranes, which are inserted over the bone defects. Some of these membranes are resorbable and some require removal. Other regenerative procedures involve the use of bioactive gels, which can stimulate the regeneration of lost tissue.