Alveolar ridge augmentation using a resorbable copolymer membrane and autogenous bone grafts. An experimental study in the rat.

The aim of the present study was to compare the result of maxillary alveolar ridge augmentation by the combined use of mandibular bone grafts and resorbable membranes (Resolut), with that achieved by the use of the same type of bone graft combined with the placement of e-PTFE membranes (Gore-Tex). The experiment was carried out in 30 rats. In one side of the maxillary jaw, the edentulous alveolar ridge between the incisor and the first molar was augmented by means of an autogenous mandibular bone graft that was fixed with a titanium microimplant and covered with a resorbable membrane. The contralateral side, serving as control, was treated in the same way, with the difference that an e-PTFE membrane was placed over the bone graft. Histological analysis at 15, 30, 60, 120 and 180 days after surgery demonstrated that, in both test and control sites where the membrane was properly adapted and not exposed, the bone grafts presented no resorption and were integrated into the maxillary bone at the recipient site. In cases where the membrane was exposed, however, the bone grafts presented extensive resorption and lack of continuity between the graft and the recipient bed. At 60-180 days after surgery, the exposure of both types of membrane had frequently led to complete resorption of the grafts, encapsulation of the titanium microimplant by fibrous connective tissue, or exfoliation of the microimplant. It is concluded that alveolar ridge augmentation can be predictably accomplished by combining mandibular bone grafting with the placement of resorbable or non-resorbable membranes according to the GTR principle, provided that the membrane is properly adapted over the graft and complete closure of the treated area is maintained during healing.