Devices for dentoalveolar regeneration: An up-to-date literature review
This article reviewed the devices used for dentoalveolar regeneration. Some of the most important factors involved in the creation of a suitable environment for dentoalveolar regeneration include prevention of bacterial infection, mechanical stability of the wound, creation and maintenance of a blood clot-filled space, and isolation of the regenerative space from undesirable competing tissue types. General criteria in the design of membranes intended for use in regenerative application include biocompatibility, cell occlusiveness, spacemaking tissue integration, and clinical manageability. Materials are grouped into two broad categories: nondegradable and degradable. The nondegradable include silicone sheets, cellulose acetate laboratory fillers, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) laboratory fillers, and others. The advantages include good biocompatibility and greater control over the length of time the membrane will remain in the space. A disadvantage is the need of surgical removal. The degradable bio materials include collagen, synthetic poly-lactide and poly-glycolide polymers, and copolymers. The design of a degradable membrane should aim for maintenance of functional characteristics for adequate healing while minimizing total residence time of the material in order to reduce the risk of complications. The risk of bacterial-induced complications may continue as long as the material is physically present. An important disadvantage is erratic degradation time resulting in no control over the length of time that the membrane will remain in the space. In conclusion, nondegradable materials simplify aspects of the development, production, clinical use, and predictability of dentoalveolar regenerative treatment. To date, it is possible that the inherent characteristics of the present degradable polymeric materials may limit their usefulness to specific applications. [C.C]
Hardwick, R., B. Hayes, and C. Flynn, J Periodont, 66:495, 1995