Evaluation of a dense polytetrafluoroethylene membrane to increase keratinized tissue: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The presence of an adequate zone of keratinized tissue has been associated with implant health. This study evaluated the increasing of the zone of keratinized tissue using dense polytetrafluoroethylene (d-PTFE) membranes over extraction sites, without primary closure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen sites received d-PTFE membranes. The control sites received no membranes. All cases were sutured with no attempt to achieve primary closure. Before surgery, initial measurements of buccal and lingual keratinized tissue were taken from the mucogingival line (MGL) to the most coronal gingival margins. Final measurements were taken from the buccal MGL to the lingual MGL, 60 and 90 days after extractions. RESULTS: In the test group, a mean increase in the zone of keratinized tissue of 7.06 ± 2.63 mm and 6.6 ± 2.84 mm was observed in 60 and 90 days, respectively. In the control group, a mean increase of 2.46 ± 1.59 mm and 1.40 ± 1.40 mm was observed in 60 and 90 days, respectively. CONCLUSION: Nonexpanded d-PTFE membranes can predictably be used to increase the zone of keratinized tissue in preparation to implant placement.