What is the primary purpose of guided tissue regeneration (GTR) in the treatment of furcation involvement?

Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) primarily aims to create an environment conducive to the regeneration of periodontal tissues, particularly in areas affected by conditions such as furcation involvement. The use of barrier membranes is a fundamental component of GTR. These membranes help to prevent the invasion of fast-replicating epithelial cells and connective tissue into the defect area, which allows slower regenerating periodontal tissue—such as bone and periodontal ligaments—to effectively populate and heal the area.

The barrier membranes support the selective growth of these desired tissues by isolating the area, effectively creating a space where the regeneration can occur without interference from other types of cells that do not contribute to the periodontal repair process. This mechanism is crucial in achieving functional healing and restoring the integrity of the periodontal attachment around the affected tooth.

While aspects such as grafting materials and access for cleaning may play roles in comprehensive periodontal treatment, the unique function of GTR is its focus on the use of barrier membranes to facilitate targeted tissue regeneration in cases of furcation lesions. Therefore, the emphasis on using a barrier membrane to promote regeneration correctly identifies the primary purpose of GTR in this context.