Membranes for guided tissue and bone regeneration

Abstract

Introduction Since the clinical use of dental membranes in the mid-1980s, guided bone regeneration procedures have become the standard in dental surgeries requiring space provision. A number of advancements have been made over the past 20 years in terms of their fabrication development. This review paper discusses original polytetrafluoroethylene non-resorbable membranes and the more recently employed innovative techniques to alter resorption periods in resorbable membranes. Furthermore, insight into future developments in membrane fabrication as well as platelet-rich fibrin membranes are discussed that will direct the next generation of guided bone regeneration. Conclusion There have been major advancements since the original expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membranes. Surgical procedures are no longer necessary as they cause discomfort to patients. Synthesis and natural biomaterials have been used in dentistry successfully for over 20 years, and their mechanical properties and degradation rates are being improved constantly. Furthermore, osteoconductive calcium phosphates and bioactive growth factors are now being incorporated to allow better bone formation.