GTR membranes : The barriers for periodontal regeneration

The concept of GTR and incorporation of GTR membranes in clinical practice has changed significantly the outlook for periodontal regeneration. Different types of membranes to cover periodontal defects are used for regeneration. A membrane should be biocompatible, enable cell exclusion, maintain space, ensure tissue integration and ease to use with biological activity for future generation membrane. Membranes can be non-absorbable and absorbable. Non-absorbable membranes require another surgery for their removal hence today, they are used less frequently. Nonabsorbable membranes are made from polytetrafluoroethylene, composite, rubber dam and resin/glass – ionomer. Absorbable membranes do not require their removal which reduce patient discomfort and eliminate surgery related complications. Absorbable membranes can be made from natural materials as collagen, pericardium, dura mater, laminar bone, connective tissue or periosteum, and from synthetic materials as polyglycolic acid, polylactic acid, polyglactin 910, polyester, polyurethane or polydioxanon. They are mostly used today. The future of GTR promises to be exciting, as new materials or modified ones, especially in combination with biological activity will become available.