Start practicing

Periodontics · single question

What is the PRIMARY objective of guided tissue regeneration (GTR) in periodontal surgery?

  1. Allow PDL/bone/cementum cells to repopulate the defect (true regeneration)
  2. Create a blood clot to initiate healing
  3. Reduce gingival inflammation
  4. Prevent bacterial recolonization
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Allow PDL/bone/cementum cells to repopulate the defect (true regeneration)

GTR uses a physical barrier membrane to exclude fast-growing epithelium and gingival CT, allowing slower-migrating PDL cells, osteoblasts, and cementoblasts to achieve true periodontal regeneration (new cementum, bone, and PDL). Without the membrane, healing results in long junctional epithelium (repair, not regeneration).
  • A. CORRECT. GTR barrier membrane excludes epithelium → PDL/bone/cementum cells repopulate → true regeneration. New attachment apparatus forms.
  • B. Blood clot is part of healing but not the specific objective of GTR.
  • C. Reducing gingival inflammation is initial therapy (SRP) — not the specific goal of GTR.
  • D. Preventing bacterial recolonization is achieved by debridement and antibiotics — not the specific goal of GTR.

Practice Periodontics questions Periodontics study notes

More Periodontics practice questions