Comparative Analysis of Gelatin/Polylactic Acid and Commercial PLA Membranes for Guided Bone Regeneration: A Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND This study included 32 patients with single missing teeth and alveolar bone defects and aimed to compare outcomes from guided bone regeneration with a gelatin/polylactic acid (GT/PLA) barrier membrane and a Guidor® bioresorbable matrix barrier dental membrane. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 32 participants were recruited in the clinical study, with single missing teeth and alveolar bone defects, requiring guided bone regeneration (32 missing teeth in total). They were randomly divided into the GT/PLA membrane group (experimental) and Guidor® membrane group (control) by the envelope method (n=16). Both membranes were used intraoperatively to cover the bone substitute material. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) was performed immediately and at 6 months after surgery to assess the amount of bone resorption. In addition, the osteogenic efficacy was calculated. The soft tissue index (STI), wound healing, membrane exposure, and incidence of infection in the operative area were evaluated. RESULTS The implant survival rate was 100% in both groups. The average bone resorption was 148.54±107.42 mm³ in the experimental group and 185.25±85.31 mm³ in the control group (P=0.163); the osteogenic efficacy was 75% in the experimental group and 56% in the control group (P=0.458). Moreover, the parameters of STI, wound healing, membrane exposure, and incidence of infection in the operative area showed no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS The GT/PLA barrier membrane yielded non-inferior clinical and imaging results to the GUIDOR® membrane, exhibiting good efficacy and biocompatibility in GBR.