Cross-linked versus Natural Collagen Membrane for Guided Bone Regeneration? A Literature Review

Guided bone regeneration (GBR), a method which originates from guided tissue regeneration (GTR), is based on a concept of dividing bone from soft tissue, preventing apical migration of the gingival epithelial and connective tissue inside the defect with a membrane as a barrier which favorites proliferation of regeneration potent cells and their differentiation in the desired tissue type. Depending on the reaction to their biological surroundings, membranes can be grouped as non-resorbable and resorbable. Due to biological degradation, resorbable membranes induce tissue response, which may negatively impact wound healing and disturb regeneration. The aim of this study is to provide a review on the performance and the main outcomes of two different types of collagen membranes (Native Vs cross linked) used in conjunction with GBR in order to gain awareness of the limits and to be able to choose the right membrane required by the clinical condition.