The use of periodontal membranes in the field of periodontology: spotlight on collagen membranes

Biomaterial Scaffolds for Periodontal Tissue Engineering

Advanced periodontitis poses a significant threat to oral health, causing extensive damage and loss of both hard and soft periodontal tissues. While traditional therapies such as scaling and root planing can effectively halt the disease's progression, they often fail to fully restore the original architecture and function of periodontal tissues due to the limited capacity for spontaneous regeneration. To address this challenge, periodontal tissue engineering has emerged as a promising approach. This technology centers on the utilization of biomaterial scaffolds, which function as three-dimensional (3D) templates or frameworks, supporting and guiding the regeneration of periodontal tissues, including the periodontal ligament, cementum, alveolar bone, and gingival tissue. These scaffolds mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM) of native periodontal tissues, aiming to foster cell attachment, proliferation, differentiation, and, ultimately, the formation of new, functional periodontal structures. Despite the inherent challenges associated with preclinical testing, the intensification of research on biomaterial scaffolds, coupled with the continuous advancement of fabrication technology, leads us to anticipate a significant expansion in their application for periodontal tissue regeneration. This review comprehensively covers the recent advancements in biomaterial scaffolds engineered specifically for periodontal tissue regeneration, aiming to provide insights into the current state of the field and potential directions for future research.

Changes of the Alveolar Bone Ridge Using Bone Mineral Grafts and Collagen Membranes after Tooth Extraction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Alveolar preservation techniques for esthetic or functional purposes, or both, are a frequently used alternative for the treatment of post-extraction sockets, the aim of which is the regeneration of the lesion and the preservation of the alveolar bone crest.

METHODS

Studies published in PubMed (Medline), Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases up to January 2024 were consulted. Inclusion criteria were established as intervention studies, according to the PICOs strategy: adult subjects undergoing dental extractions (participants), with alveoli treated with bone mineral grafts and collagen membranes (intervention), compared to spontaneous healing (comparison), and observing the response to treatment in clinical and radiological measures of the alveolar bone crest (outcomes).

RESULTS

We obtained 561 results and selected 12 studies. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool, and methodological quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute. Due to the high heterogeneity of the studies (I2 > 75%), a random-effects meta-analysis was used. Despite the trend, no statistical significance (p > 0.05) was found in the experimental groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of bone mineral grafts in combination with resorbable collagen barriers provides greater preservation of the alveolar ridge, although more clinical studies are needed.

Resorbable magnesium metal membrane for sinus lift procedures: a case series

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this case series was to demonstrate the use of a magnesium membrane for repairing the perforated membrane in both direct and indirect approaches, as well as its application in instances where there has been a tear of the Schneiderian membrane.

CASE PRESENTATION

The case series included four individual cases, each demonstrating the application of a magnesium membrane followed by bone augmentation using a mixture of xenograft and allograft material in the sinus cavity. In the first three cases, rupture of Schneiderian membrane occurred as a result of tooth extraction, positioning of the dental implant, or as a complication during the procedure. In the fourth case, Schneiderian membrane was perforated as a result of the need to aspirate a polyp in the maxillary sinus. In case one, 10 mm of newly formed bone is visible four months after graft placement. Other cases showed between 15 and 20 mm of newly formed alveolar bone. No residual magnesium membrane was seen on clinical inspection. The vertical and horizontal augmentations proved stable and the dental implants were placed in the previously grafted sites.

CONCLUSION

Within the limitations of this case series, postoperative clinical examination, and panoramic and CBCT images demonstrated that resorbable magnesium membrane is a viable material for sinus lift and Schneiderian membrane repair. The case series showed successful healing and formation of new alveolar bone with separation of the oral cavity and maxillary sinus in four patients.