Barrier Membranes in Dentistry: A Historical and Present Day Perspective

Resorbable and non-resorbable membranes have been fabricated to try and facilitate augmentation of alveolar ridge defects, induce bone and soft tissue regeneration, improve bone grafting results, treat failing implants, and enhance esthetics^1,3 . As bioengineering technologies advance, the options for clinical application of these membranes will inevitably grow. The advent of synthetic, bioactive, and multi-layered nano fibrous membranes created from electro-spun technologies have already demonstrated beneficial uses for both guided tissue (GTR) and bone regeneration (GBR)². No matter the technological makeup, barrier membranes need to share fundamental criteria to improve host responses and success. Some of these criteria include biocompatibility, space-making, cell-occlusiveness, tissue integration, and clinical manageability⁴. A fine balance exists between many of the different biologic and structural components that comprise these membranes. Degradation times, membrane thickness, cell infiltration rates, malleability, and rigidity all play a role in their overall effectiveness.

In this literature review, we plan to summarize the designs, indications, contraindications, and success/failure rates of both historic and more technologically advanced barrier membranes. As implantology becomes more ubiquitous throughout many of the dental sub-specialities, the clinical uses and applications of these materials will only expand. It is therefore imperative for practitioners to have a better fundamental understanding of the materials available to provide the best possible outcome for their respective patient populations.

References

1. Aurer A, Jorgic-Srdjak K: Membranes for periodontal regeneration. Acta Stomate Croat 39:107-112, 2005
2. Bottino M, Thomas V: Membranes for periodontal regeneration - A materials perspective. Front Oral Biol 17:90-100, 2015 
3. Rakhmatia Y, Ayukawa Y, Furuhashi A, Moyano K: Current Barrier Membranes: Titanium mesh and other membranes for guided one regeneration in dental applications. Journal of Prosthodontics Research 57: 3-13, 2013
4. Scantlebury TV: A decade of technology development for guided tissue regeneration. J Periodontal 64:1129-37, 1993