Barrier membrane

A barrier membrane is a device used in oral surgery and periodontal surgery to prevent epithelium, which regenerates relatively quickly, from growing into an area in which another, more slowly growing tissue type, such as bone, is desired. Such a method of preventing epithelial migration into a specific area is known as guided tissue regeneration (GTR). A barrier membrane is a device used in oral surgery and periodontal surgery to prevent epithelium, which regenerates relatively quickly, from growing into an area in which another, more slowly growing tissue type, such as bone, is desired. Such a method of preventing epithelial migration into a specific area is known as guided tissue regeneration (GTR). The first membranes developed were nonresorbable and required a second surgery for membrane removal some weeks later. The need for a second surgical procedure hindered the utilization of the original barrier membranes, which led to the development of resorbable membranes; research indicates no statistically significant difference in surgical success between the two types. The purpose of a membrane is to prohibit the penetration of cells, primarily epithelial, through its structure. When barrier membranes are utilized, the superficial soft tissue flap remains separated from the underlying bone for the primary healing period and must survive on the vascular supply of the flap; it cannot rely on granulation tissue derived from the underlying bone.