Treatment of Peri-implant Defects with Guided Bone Regeneration: A Comparative Clinical Study with Various Membranes and Bone Grafts

In this clinical study, a bioabsorbable membrane (Biofix) and two augmentation membranes made of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (Gore-Tex) were tested for their osteopromotive potential. Forty-six implants were augmented with Gore-Tex membranes, 45 implants with titanium-reinforced Gore-Tex membranes, and 38 peri-implant defects with a resorbable polyglycolid membrane (Biofix). Autogenous bone (n = 85) and bovine bone matrix (Bio-Oss, n = 16) were used as filling materials beneath membranes. The results showed that bone repair is significantly improved by the use of membrane techniques. The average rate of bone regeneration with nonresorbable membranes was 84% (GTAM) and 81% (TR-GTAM). The use of Biofix membranes resulted in an average bone gain of 60%. The differences in efficacy established for the three types of membranes were found to be statistically significant (P .001). Barrier membranes represent a valid technique for the treatment of peri-implant defects. Clinical and histologic results showed that Bio-Oss is an osteoconductive scaffold that promotes new bone formation. Keywords: bone grafts, e-PTFE membranes, guided bone regeneration, polyglycolid membranes