Collagen membranes prevent the apical migration of epithelium during periodontal wound healing

Abstract

Collagen membranes were interposed between full thickness periodontal flaps and denuded root surfaces of right upper canines in 3 mongrel dogs; the left canines were sham‐operated without the use of collagen membranes. Animals were killed 10 d after surgery. Tissue blocks were removed, and experimental and control sites were processed for histometric and histologic examination. The results indicate that collagen membranes: (i) prevent apical migration of the epithelium during initial stages of healing; and (ii) are colonized by connective tissue cells and incorporated within the healing connective tissue.