Clinical study of a bioactive barrier membrane for dental implants

Abstract

Aim or Purpose: To evaluate the clinical performance of a new Australian bioactive collagen membrane (BCM) in guided bone regeneration (GBR) for bone defects surrounding dental implants. Materials and Methods: We used this BCM in patients who required dental implant treatment with GBR. Patients who fulfilled the eligibility criteria (N = 20) received dental implants (N=27) with GBR using the BCM and void filling material (natural bone mineral). Implant sites were allowed to heal for approximately 6 months before re-entry surgery (two-stage; N=10) or restoration (single-stage; N=10). Mucosal tissue conditions and evidence of wound dehiscence or membrane exposure were recorded during the healing period. The quality of newly formed bone was assessed using the QT Scale at the time of re-entry surgery. Vertical (defect height) and horizontal (facial bone wall thickness) dimensions were measured immediately after implant placement (baseline) and prior to re-entry surgery/restoration by CT scan. Results: The BCM demonstrated excellent handling properties during surgery and retained its barrier structure over 4 months with no adverse tissue reactions, adverse events or membrane exposures. CT scans showed evidence of accelerated mature bone formation necessary for implant stability. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that this new bioactive collagen membrane is able to preserve and restore bone volume required for successful functional and aesthetic outcomes in dental implant treatment.