Histomorphometry of Bone after Intentionally Exposed Non-Resorbable d-PTFE Membrane or Guided Bone Regeneration for the Treatment of Post-Extractive Alveolar Bone Defects with Implant-Supported Restorations: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate quantitative histological examination of bone reconstructed with non-resorbable high-density polytetrafluoroethylene membrane (d-PTFE), left intentionally exposed in post extraction sockets grafted with anorganic bone material, and removed after four weeks, versus extraction and guided bone regeneration (GBR), performed two months later. Materials and Methods: This study was designed as a multicenter randomized controlled trial of parallel-group design. Patients were selected and consecutively treated in three centers in Italy. Patients randomly received intentionally exposed non-resorbable d-PTFE membrane (group A), or guided bone regeneration (group B), to treat post-extractive alveolar bone defects with implant-supported restorations. Outcomes were: the implant failure, any mechanical and biological complications, patient satisfaction, and qualitative and histomorphometric evaluation of the collected bone samples. Results: Eighteen patients were consecutively enrolled in the trial. Of these, six out of 18 patients were male. All the included patients were treated according to the allocated interventions, and no drop out occurred. No implant failure and no complications were experienced, and all the patients were fully satisfied with the function and aesthetic of their implant-supported restoration, without difference between groups. Morphological analysis revealed no sign of tissue reaction, such as fibrosis or necrosis. Regenerated bone was well mineralized in both groups, but it seemed more mature in group B than in group A. Three samples showed a minimal number of lymphocytes. Several blood vessels of small size occupied the medullary spaces, where the tissue resulted in more maturity, indicating the activity of the tissue in progress. The histomorphometric evaluation showed no statistically significant differences in the tissue volume fractions between the two groups of patients. Conclusions: With the limitation of the present study, buccal plate reconstruction with an intentionally exposed non-resorbable membrane is an effective and easy procedure for regenerating a resorbed buccal bone plate, reducing the need for guided bone regeneration.