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 non-resorbable 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.