Concurrent Use of Collagen Matrix With Guided Bone Regeneration Procedure

Objectives: This study aimed to histologically evaluate healing following soft tissue augmentation using collagen matrix substitute on site received guided bone regeneration (GBR) procedure in beagle dogs.
Methods: Four beagle dogs were included in this study, and maxillary 2nd, 3rd, and 4th premolars were extracted bilaterally. After 8 weeks, standardized box-type defects were surgically induced, and synthetic, particulated bone graftin g biomaterials were filled. Resorbable collagen membranes were covered on the grafted sites, and collagen matrix substitutes were additionally covered on the experimental sites that were randomly selected unilateral alveolar ridge defects. After 8-weeks healing period, animals were sacrificed for hisologic observation. Thickness of residual membrane/collagen matrix substitute and dense connective tissue layer around the collagen matrix complex was measured for comparison.
Results: Both control and experimental sites showed uneventful healing clinically, and experimental sites showed significantly increased thickness of collagen matrix complex layer with dense connective tissue.
Conclusions: Additional use of collagen matrix substitute on GBR site might enhance the thickness of soft tissue layer over grafted site.