Barrier Membrane
Ideal Properties
biocompatibility
space maintenance
cell occlusiveness
good handling properties
resorbability or ease of removal (nonresorbable)
nonresorbable
resorbable
Advantage: Ability to maintain separation of tissues over an extended time. Unless the barrier is exposed, it can remain in place for several months to years. Typically, GBR membranes are removed after 6 to 12 months.
require a subsequent surgical procedure to remove them
Types
latex
Teflon
expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membrane (ePTFE)
if it becomes exposed, it will not heal (i.e., wound will remain open) spontaneously and may become progressively more exposed
exposed membranes must be removed
titanium-reinforced (TR) membranes
Stiffer
regenerate bone without the need for bone grafts or tenting apparatus
Advantages
Disadvantage
Types
Copolymers of polylactide and polyglycolide
collagen-based resorbable
No surgical reentry for membrane removal is necessary
less likely to become exposed and are less problematic if they do become exposed.
degrade before bone formation is completed, and the degradation process may produce varying degrees of inflammation
mild inflammatory reaction caused by bioresorbable membranes does not seem to interfere with osteogenesis.
cross-linking of collagen to increase resistance to biodegradation and thus increase longevity of the barrier function
quite pliable