Clinical application of cone beam computed tomography for ideal absorbable membrane placement in interproximal bone defects

When a guided tissue regeneration (GTR) membrane is placed in an interproximal area, adjustment of the membrane is difficult because of the complex anatomy of the root surface and presence of bone defects, thus prolonging the surgery. This report describes the clinical application of cone beam computed tomography (CT) images to aid insertion of a barrier membrane in the treatment of interproximal bone defects. Using CT images, the membrane can be pre-cut into the optimal shape to cover the bone defect and fit the roots tightly, thus shortening the time required to adjust the GTR membrane, and providing excellent clinical outcomes. (J Oral Sci 52, 63-69, 2010)