Ridge Preservation Comparing a Nonresorbable PTFE Membrane to a Resorbable Collagen Membrane: A Clinical and Histologic Study in Humans

Purpose: The primary aim of this randomized, controlled, blinded clinical trial was to compare the effect of a resorbable collagen membrane (CM group) versus a nonresorbable high-density polytetrafluoroethylene membrane (PTFE group) on the clinical and histologic outcomes of a ridge preservation procedure. Materials and Methods: All 24 sites received an intrasocket cancellous allograft and a buccal overlay bovine derived xenograft. Results: The change in horizontal crestal ridge width was -1.4 +/- 1.2 mm for the CM group, whereas the PTFE group lost -2.2 +/- 1.5 mm, which was not statistically significant between groups (P > 0.05). Vertical ridge height change was -1.2 +/- 1.5 for the CM group, whereas the PTFE group lost -0.5 +/- 1.6, which was not significantly different between groups (P > 0.05). The percent vital bone was similar and not significantly different between groups. Primary closure was not obtained and the exposed membrane portion over the socket opening healed with keratinized tissue. Conclusion: The choice of a resorbable versus a nonresorbable barrier membrane did not affect the clinical or the histologic outcome of ridge preservation treatment.