An evaluation of new attachment formation using a microfibrillar collagen barrier

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of microfibrillar collagen as a barrier to prevent epithelial migration and allow for guided tissue regeneration. Fourteen study teeth were selected. Mucoperiosteal flaps were elevated and roots were debrided and planed. Avitene was placed over teeth and alveolar bone. Flaps were then sutured over it. At control sites no Avitene was placed. At 90 days, block sections were obtained and processed for histologic and histometric evaluation. Results revealed that all specimens had a long junctional epithelial attachment. New attachment was present within the area of the root notch at the original level of the alveolar bone, and there was no significant difference in mean connective tissue attachment between the control and experimental specimens (P = 0.614). Avitene did not form an effective barrier to epithelial migration nor did it allow for guided tissue regeneration and significant new attachment formation in humans.