Bacterial colonies split implanted membranes that are exposed to oral biologic fluids as a consequence of dehiscence. The clinical and histologic behavior of 14 implanted polyurethane membranes was observed during the period of exposure to oral fluids for 2, 3, 4, and 6 weeks and without dehiscence (after 8 weeks). Statistical analysis indicated that the decrease in the number of neutrophils after 5 weeks, associated with the increase in the number of activated fibroblasts, cellular debris, giant cells, and aggression of bacteria, was statistically significant (from P .05 and P .01 for activated fibroblasts to P .005 and P .001 for neutrophilic cells). The increase in bacterial passage through the polyurethane membranes and in the number of giant cells and cellular debris after 8 weeks represents late dissolution of the membranes; the progressive increase of activated fibroblasts is significant because the longer the membrane resists, the better the cells can grow and give way to the process of tissue regeneration. Schlagwörter: nonresorbable membranes, oral microbiology, oral pathology