Histological evaluation of freeze-dried dura mater (FDDMA) used in guided bone regeneration (GBR): a time course study in man.

In 26 patients freeze-dried dura mater (FDDMA) membranes were used in fenestrations and dehiscences around dental implants, in implants inserted into postextraction sockets, in vertical ridge augmentation and in sinus lifting procedures. A re-entry procedure was carried out after 6, 9 and 12 months. In all patients a small portion of the membrane was removed and examined. No inflammatory infiltrate was present in the tissues around the membranes. No cells were present inside the membranes and only in the most peripheral portions was it possible to observe a few cells positive to acid phosphatase. The FDDMA membranes appeared to resorb slowly, did not seem to elicit an inflammatory reaction, and at 12 months they still appeared to play a role in cell occlusion.