Guided tissue regeneration lecture delivers clinical insights at Bolan Dental College

QUETTA: The weekly academic lecture series at Bolan Dental College, Quetta continued to contribute to professional development and clinical education with its latest session focused on guided tissue regeneration (GTR). The session was led by Dr. Bakhtawar, MCPS Oral Surgery, and Incharge, Department of Oral Medicine and Periodontology, who presented an in-depth and clinically rich lecture on this advanced periodontal therapy technique.

Understanding guided tissue regeneration: a modern, conservative approach

Dr. Bakhtawar emphasized that GTR is a biologically driven, tissue-preserving technique used to regenerate periodontal structures lost to disease or trauma. It plays a vital role in conserving natural dentition by treating deep periodontal defects with minimal surgical intervention.

She explained how GTR helps create a barrier that prevents epithelial migration into the defect area, allowing bone and periodontal ligament cells to repopulate and regenerate the tissue effectively. The lecture offered valuable insights into contemporary periodontal therapy, focusing on long-term prognosis and patient-centered outcomes.

Step-by-step case study and surgical protocol

A highlight of the session was the detailed case presentation involving a male patient who successfully underwent guided tissue regeneration. Dr. Bakhtawar walked the attendees through every clinical step:

• Patient evaluation and radiographic assessment
• Flap design and surgical exposure
• Selection and placement of resorbable/non-resorbable membranes
• Suturing techniques and healing protocol

This step-wise demonstration made the procedure more accessible for house officers and students, blending theory with practical insight.

Emphasizing clinical judgment and case selection

She also highlighted the importance of case selection in GTR. Not all periodontal defects qualify for regeneration, and careful assessment of defect morphology, oral hygiene, and systemic conditions is essential for successful outcomes. The lecture reinforced critical clinical decision-making—a skill crucial for future clinicians.

Institutional recognition

At the end of the lecture, Prof. Dr. Nasrullah Mengal, Principal of Bolan Dental College, commended the Department of Oral Medicine and Periodontology for their contribution to academic excellence and encouraged more such case-based sessions. He appreciated Dr. Bakhtawar’s expertise and underscored the significance of periodontal regeneration in current dental practice.

This session stood out not just for its scientific rigor but also for encouraging ethical, evidence-based care and lifelong learning among the future dental professionals of Pakistan.