The effect of a teflon membrane to augment the healing of extraction sockets in monkeys

The present study was undertaken in 9 monkeys to test the effect of a teflon membrane to augment the healing of extraction sockets. The 4 lateral incisors of each animal were extracted using a surgical flap approach. Two of the sockets on one side were covered with teflon membrane (experimental sites), while the same procedure was repeated with the exception of the applications of the teflon membrane on the remaining two sockets of the contralateral side (controls). The distal surfaces of the central incisors were notched at the level of the crest of the alveolar bone as the reference points for measurements of alveolar bone response. Re-entries were performed on three monkeys at 50, 90 and 150 days after tooth extraction and the bone fill of the sockets was evaluated. It was concluded from the results that there was a tendency for the teflon membrane placement to result in a greater amount of clinical alveolar bone fill and lesser extent of bone resorption after tooth extraction.