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