guided tissue regeneration is a periodontal (gum) surgical technique designed to help lost supporting tissues around teeth regrow in a controlled way. It uses a barrier membrane to guide healing so that slower-growing tissues have time and space to form. It is most commonly used in periodontal therapy for specific bone defects caused by gum disease. It may also be discussed alongside related regenerative procedures used around dental implants.

periodontal regeneration is a set of dental procedures aimed at rebuilding the tissues that support teeth after periodontal (gum) disease. It focuses on restoring lost bone, periodontal ligament (the tooth’s supporting “suspension fibers”), and sometimes gum tissue attachment. It is most commonly used in periodontitis cases where tissue loss has created specific defect patterns around a tooth. The goal is to improve support around a tooth, not simply to “clean” the area.

osteoplasty is a clinical term for reshaping or contouring hard tissue to improve form and function. In dentistry and oral surgery, it most often describes controlled reshaping of jawbone (alveolar bone). In some restorative and cosmetic contexts, the term may be used more loosely to describe contouring a tooth with tooth-colored resin material. The exact meaning depends on the clinical setting and how the clinician uses the term.

ostectomy is a surgical procedure that removes a controlled amount of bone. In dentistry, it is most often performed on the jawbone around teeth or implants. It is commonly used in periodontal (gum) surgery, crown-lengthening, and some oral surgery procedures. The goal is usually to reshape bone, improve access, or create healthier, more maintainable contours.

Osseous recontouring is a dental surgical procedure that reshapes the jawbone around teeth. It is most often used in periodontal (gum) surgery to correct uneven or disease-altered bone. The goal is to create a bone form that supports healthier gum attachment and easier cleaning. It may also be part of procedures like crown lengthening or pocket reduction therapy.

osseous surgery is a periodontal (gum) procedure that reshapes the bone supporting the teeth. It is most commonly used to help manage advanced gum disease by improving bone contour and access for cleaning. It may also be used to adjust the bone level to support restorative dentistry, such as crown lengthening. The goal is to create conditions that are easier to keep healthy over time.

crown lengthening (perio) is a periodontal surgical procedure that exposes more tooth structure by reshaping gum tissue and sometimes bone. It is commonly used to make a tooth restorable when decay, fracture, or an existing restoration extends too close to the gumline. It can also be used for esthetic reasons when gums cover too much of the tooth (“gummy smile”). The goal is to create healthier, more maintainable space for a long-term restoration and stable gum contours.

gingivoplasty is a periodontal (gum) reshaping procedure that recontours the gingival margin for function and appearance. It changes the form of the gum tissue without primarily aiming to remove deep periodontal pockets. It is commonly used in smile design, finishing after orthodontics, and management of gum overgrowth. It may be performed with hand instruments, electrosurgery, or dental lasers, depending on clinician preference and case needs.

gingivectomy is a dental procedure that removes a small amount of gum tissue (gingiva). It is commonly used in periodontal (gum) care to reduce or reshape gum tissue around teeth. It can also be used to improve access for cleaning and to change how the gumline looks. The goal is typically healthier, easier-to-maintain gum contours.

A laterally positioned flap is a gum (gingival) surgery technique used to cover an exposed tooth root. It moves a nearby piece of gum tissue from the side of the affected tooth onto the recession area. It is most commonly used in periodontal plastic surgery for localized gum recession. The goal is to improve root coverage, comfort, and tissue stability around a specific tooth.