Modified bovine type I collagen membrane as a wound graft material in oral surgery (an experimental study)

The use of collagen biomaterials in various types, structures and forms to aid in wound healing and in reconstructive surgery has been reported in several occasions in the literature. This paper evaluates the biocompatibility and effectiveness of a modified bovine type I collagen membrane as a graft material in experimental oral wounds in dogs. 2.5 x 2.5 cm wounds were prepared bilaterally in the labial mucosa of nine dogs. Bovine type I atelopeptide reconstituted collagen membrane was placed over the surgery site on one side of the labial mucosa. The contralateral sides served as controls. Clinical and histopathologic evaluation were done at 1, 2 and 3 weeks post-operatively, comparing the experimental side with the control side. Results demonstrated an improved rate of wound healing on the experimental side. The collagen membrane had a topical hemostatic effect at the time of its application and did not cause any adverse reaction post-operatively. It is concluded that the modified collagen membrane used in this study is biologically acceptable to the oral mucosa and is, from the clinical point of view, an excellent wound graft material. The clinical utilization of these collagen sheets offers exciting applications in the field of oral surgery.