Effectiveness of bilayer porous polyethylene membrane for alveolar ridge preservation: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Porous polyethylene has been successfully used in several medical applications with good outcomes. Based on this, a new bilayer porous polyethylene membrane (B-PPM) was developed for possibly being used as a membrane in alveolar ridge preservation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of a new B-PPM in comparison to high-density polytetrafluoroethylene membrane (d-PTFE) in alveolar ridge preservation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients were randomized into two groups according to the membranes used to cover the socket (B-PPM or d-PTFE). Wound healing was monitored at day 1, 3, 7, 14, 28, and 4 months postoperatively. Dimensional changes of alveolar ridge were measured immediately after tooth extraction and at 4 months later using intraoral scanner and cone beam computed tomography. Bone cores were harvested before implant placement. Implant stability at insertion and prior to prosthesis delivery were also measured.

RESULTS: No significant difference in socket wound closure between groups was observed excepting at day 14 that B-PPM showed a faster wound closure than d-PTFE (P = .03). Greater bone resorptions were seen on buccal than lingual side and on coronal than apical part of the alveolar ridge. No significant difference in dimensional changes of alveolar ridge, new bone formation, connective tissue content, residual bone grafts, and implant stability between two groups.

CONCLUSION: B-PPPM was safe and effective for alveolar ridge preservation.