Barrier Membrane in Regenerative Therapy: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Guided bone and tissue regeneration remains an integral treatment modality to regenerate bone surrounding teeth and dental implants. Barrier membranes have been developed and produced commercially to allow space for bone regeneration and prevent the migration of unwanted cells. Ideal membrane properties, including biocompatibility, sufficient structural integrity and suitable shelf life with easy clinical application, are important to ensure good clinical regenerative outcomes. Membranes have various types, and their clinical application depends on the origin, material, structure and properties. This narrative review aims to describe the currently available barrier membranes in terms of history, main features, types, indication and clinical application and classify them into various groups. Various membranes, including those which are resorbable and non-resorbable, synthetic, added with growth factors and composed of modern materials, such as high-grade polymer (Polyetheretherketone), are explored in this review.

Keywords: bone regeneration; dental implants; guided tissue regeneration; periodontal; tissue scaffolds.

Figure 1

Various types of non-resorbable membranes.

Figure 2

A schematic clinical photography series showing alveolar socket preservation performed on lower molar and utilization of dPTFE membrane secured by simple interrupted suturing technique. Note that the exposure of the barrier membrane is permissible, due to small microspores in properties, preventing bacterial ingress and, thus, simplifying surgical procedure. The final photo shows review of the surgical site upon removal of dPTFE membrane a month later.

Figure 2

A schematic clinical photography series showing alveolar socket preservation performed on lower molar and utilization of dPTFE membrane secured by simple interrupted suturing technique. Note that the exposure of the barrier membrane is permissible, due to small microspores in properties, preventing bacterial ingress and, thus, simplifying surgical procedure. The final photo shows review of the surgical site upon removal of dPTFE membrane a month later.

Figure 3

Pictographic series showing a surgical extraction performed to anterior teeth with alveolar ridge preservation, utilizing alveolar bone graft with simultaneous application CGF, which is part of APC. Note that the soft-tissue healed well after 3 weeks, and immediate provisionalization was performed.

Figure 3

Pictographic series showing a surgical extraction performed to anterior teeth with alveolar ridge preservation, utilizing alveolar bone graft with simultaneous application CGF, which is part of APC. Note that the soft-tissue healed well after 3 weeks, and immediate provisionalization was performed.