Early mature bone formation using a bioactive membrane in dogs

Aim or Purpose The purpose of study was to compare the amounts of mature bone formation between a new bioactive collagen membrane (BCM) and a conventional collagen membrane (CCM) when used in a canine model of dental guided bone and tissue regeneration (GBR). Materials and Methods GBR surgery was performed in 36 skeletally mature (9-14kg / 20-30lb) Beagle dogs using a split mouth design. The implant site was prepared with a titanium implant in the tooth socket and remaining void filled with a granulated bone substitute. The collagen membranes were trimmed and placed over the implant, and the gingiva closed around the treatment site. Animals were sacrificed (n=6 each group) at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after implant placement. Bone formation and tissue reactions were measured by micro-CT and histomorphometry. The study was approved by the institutional Animal Ethics committee. Results Bone volume in sites treated with both collagen membranes was significantly greater than controls at 12 weeks. However, the BCM displayed comparatively more bone formation at the early time point of 4 weeks than the CCM. Further, histological assessment of sites treated with the bioactive membrane revealed that mature cortical bone formation occurred as early as 8 weeks, which was likely due to the minimal inflammatory reaction observed and retention of the bioactive barrier structure. Conclusions The new bioactive collagen membrane induces early mature bone formation in a canine model of dental GBR.