Histometric analysis of alveolar bone regeneration with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) and latex membranes

Aim: To investigate the amount of connective tissue migrated into the extraction socket using EPTFE and latex membranes. Methods: Seventeen rats were selected and randomly divided into 3 groups: e-PTFE membrane (n = 6), Latex membrane (n = 6) and Control (no membrane, n=5). After extraction of the maxillary right incisor, the animals of the test groups were subjected to alveolar guided bone regeneration (GBR) surgery and received an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) and a latex membrane, respectively. Thirty days after surgery, the animals were killed and histometric analysis was done to evaluate the migration of connective tissue. Data were analyzed statistically by one-way ANOVA and multiple-comparison Tukey’s test at 5% significance level. Results: There was statistically significant difference between groups ePTFE and Latex (p=0.001), and between groups e-PTFE and Control (p=0.012), but no significant difference was found between groups Latex and Control (p=0.416). Conclusions: The ePTFE membrane showed better results and appeared more adequate for GBR therapy, forming a barrier to prevent the migration of connective tissue into the extraction socket. The latex membrane, on the other hand, did not show benefits over the control group