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Daesung Kim 1 and Taeheon Kang 2 and Daniel Gober 2 and Chad Orlich 3
Recommended by S. E. Widmalm
1, College of Dentistry, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 158-710, Republic of Korea
2, Department of Periodontics, Nova Southeastern University, FL 33328, USA
3, Private Practice, Austin, TX 78665, USA
Received 4 April 2011; Accepted 30 April 2011
1. Introduction
Several techniques have been suggested for the regeneration of a deficient alveolar ridge segment. Traditionally, guided bone regeneration (GBR) derives its principles from guided tissue regeneration (GTR). Epithelial and gingival connective tissue cell exclusion, biocompatibility, adequate blood supply, space maintenance, wound stability, and ease of use of a barrier membrane are required for predictable tissue regeneration [1]. Space maintenance is harder to obtain in staged GBR procedures than GTR procedures. GTR relies on the remaining bony walls and teeth to help maintain space for cellular ingrowth and regeneration. In GBR procedures, however, there is a lack of direct support from the surrounding tissues. Therefore, the outcome of GBR depends more on membrane stability, primary flap closure, and postoperative compliance [2].
Many different types of barrier membranes are available on the market today. These are nonresorbable (e.g., ePTFE), resorbable (e.g., synthetic or collagen), and liquid applicable (e.g., polyethylene glycol or Atrisorb). Reports in the literature have proven the efficacy of both resorbable and nonresorbable membranes to exclude soft tissue cells from invading a grafted defect and promote substantial bone regeneration [3-5]. Unfortunately, there are a number of complications that have been reported with the use of these traditional membranes for regenerative procedures, (e.g., exposure, infection, and collapse), especially with nonresorbable membranes [6, 7]. Sometimes, these complications cause failure of the regenerative procedure [8, 9].
Atrisorb (DL-lactide polymer, Atrix Laboratories Inc., Fort Collins, Colo USA) has been used as a barrier membrane, and proven successful for periodontal regeneration [10-12]. Since GBR is based on the principals of GTR, it is reasonable to suggest that Atrisorb can function as a barrier membrane for guided bone regeneration procedures as well. But because it is dispensed in a liquid form, it may be more challenging than traditional membranes to handle during regenerative procedures.
The purpose of this study was to determine the potential of an in situ application technique of...