Microbial colonization in the partially exposed nonabsorbable membrane during alveolar ridge preservation.

AIM: This study evaluated the impact of the partial exposition of the nonabsorbable membrane (dPTFE) on microbial colonization during bone healing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients indicated for tooth extraction were randomized to dPTFE group (n = 22) - tooth extraction and alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) using an intentionally exposed dPTFE membrane and USH group (n = 22) - tooth extraction and unassisted socket healing. Biofilm samples were collected at the barrier in the dPTFE and on the natural healing site in the USH after 3 and 28 days. Samples from the inner surface of the dPTFE barrier were also collected (n = 13). The microbiome was evaluated using the Illumina MiSeq system. RESULTS: Beta diversity was different from 3 to 28 days in both groups, and at 28 days, different microbial communities were identified between therapies. The dPTFE was characterized by a higher prevalence and abundance of gram-negative and anaerobic species than USH. Furthermore, the inner surface of the dPTFE membrane was colonized by a different community than the one observed on the outer surface. CONCLUSION: Intentionally exposed dPTFE membrane modulates microbial colonization in the ARP site, creating a more homogeneous and anaerobic community on the inner and outer surfaces of the membrane. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: DPTFE promoted faster biofilm colonization and enrichment of gram-negative and anaerobes close to the regenerated site in the membrane's inner and outer surfaces. dPTFE membrane can be used exposed to the oral site, but approaches for biofilm control should still be considered. The study was retrospectively registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04329351).

Influence of partially exposed nonabsorbable membrane for alveolar ridge preservation: A randomized controlled trial.

AIM: This randomized controlled trial evaluated the impact of a partially exposed non-absorbable membrane (dPTFE) in Alveolar Ridge Preservation (ARP) procedures on clinical, tomographic, immunoenzymatic, implant-related, and patient-centered outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with a hopeless maxillary single-rooted tooth demanding rehabilitation with implants were included. Patients were randomized into two groups: dPTFE (n = 22)-tooth extraction followed by ARP using a partially exposed dPTFE membrane; USH (n = 22)-unassisted socket healing. Clinical and tomographic analyses were performed at baseline and after 3 months. After 3 months, patients received one dental implant. Implant stability quotient was obtained following implant placement. Bone-related markers were analyzed in bone biopsies using an immunoenzymatic assay. RESULTS: Greater gain in Keratinized Mucosa Width (KMW) was observed in the dPTFE (1.33 ± 0.98 mm) compared to USH (0.59 ± 0.98 mm) (Mann-Whitney test, Z = 2,28, p < 0.05). USH showed a reduction of pain/discomfort, edema, and interference with daily life from the seventh day (Friedman/Wilcoxon test, maxT = 7.48, 8.00, and 5.92, respectively, p < 0.05). dPTFE presents a reduction of edema and interference with daily life from the 7th day and pain/discomfort from the 14th day (Friedman/Wilcoxon test, maxT = 5.40, 5.26, and 4.78, respectively, p < 0.05). The dPTFE group presented higher pain/discomfort in the 35 and 42 days and higher edema from 7 to 42 days postoperatively than USH group (Mann-Whitney test, p < 0.05). No differences between groups were observed in the tomographic measures, immunoenzymatic analysis, and implant stability (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: dPTFE was superior to USH by increasing KMW gain. However, dPTFE without bone graft presented similar bone loss compared to USH. This clinical trial was not registered prior to participant recruitment and randomization (NCT04329351).