Effects of guided bone regeneration with non-resorbable and bioabsorbable barrier membranes on osseointegration around hydroxyapatite-coated and uncoated threaded titanium dental implants placed into a surgically-created dehiscence type defect in rabbit tibia: a pilot study

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of guided bone regeneration (GBR) with either a non-resorbable (ePTFE) or bioabsorbable barrier membrane (RSLT) on osseointegration and extent of bone formation around hydroxyapatite-coated (HA) and uncoated threaded titanium (Ti) dental implants placed into surgically-created dehiscence type defects in rabbit tibia. A dehiscence type bone defect, approximately 3 mm in width and height was surgically created on the outer surface of the bone in each tibia of 9 rabbits. For the conventional group, either a HA or a Ti implant was then placed at this site. After the same procedure was performed as in the conventional group, the implant site of the GBR group was covered with either an ePTFE or a RSLT. After 4 months, the rabbits were sacrificed. Specimens were prepared and examined histometrically. It was found that the mean percentage of osseointegration tended to increase in HA compared to Ti implants, both with and without membranes. There was a tendency that the extent of newly regenerated bone was higher in the GBR group than that in the conventional group.