IM0110

26 I I user report _ bone regeneration Fig. 1_Use of Geistlich Bio-Gide® or an experimental cross-linked colla- gen membrane (CCM) combination with Geistlich Bio-Oss leads to com- parable bone regeneration in the pig model. The bone regeneration is better than in empty defects and de- fects filled only with bone material (Bornstein, Heynen et al. 2009). implants1_2010 _Recentstudyresultsshowthatartificialcross- linking of collagen membranes does not confer any additional benefit: bone regeneration is as good with Geistlich Bio-Gide® as compared with a cross- linked collagen membrane. The natural collagen structure of Geistlich Bio-Gide® has the additional advantagethatthemembraneisoutstandinglybio- compatible and that it ensures secure wound heal- ing and fewer complications. Absorbable collagen membranes are used more andmorefrequentlyindentistryforguidedbonere- generation (GBR) or for guided tissue regeneration (GTR). The great advantage of using absorbable membranes is that a second procedure to remove themembraneisnotnecessary,unlikeinthecaseof non-absorbable ones. In connection with ab- sorbable membranes, however, how long they have to be present for their barrier function to be suffi- cient for optimal bone regeneration is repeatedly a topic of discussion. _No additional benefit for bone regeneration through cross-linking Artificial cross-linking of collagen is an attempt to increase the barrier function of collagen mem- branes. Recent results from clinical and preclinical studies have shown, however, that this is unneces- saryasthebarrierfunctionofthenaturalnon-cross- linked collagen membrane Geistlich Bio-Gide® is al- ready sufficient to enable effective and predictable bone regeneration (Becker, Al-Nawas et al. 2009; Bornstein, Heynen et al. 2009). In a clinical study by Becker et al. (54 patients) of thetreatmentofdehiscencesaroundimplants,bone regeneration was similar with an experimental cross-linkedcollagenmembraneandwiththenatu- ralnon-cross-linkedmembraneGeistlichBio-Gide® (Becker, Al-Nawas et al. 2009). Both collagen mem- branes were used in combination with Geistlich Bio-Oss®. Cross-linked or natural collagen membrane? Fewer complications and good bone regeneration with natural structure Author_Dr Heike Wanner, Switzerland Fig. 1