Microbiological and FE-SEM assessment of d-PTFE membrane exposed to oral environment after alveolar socket preservation managed with granular nc-HA
Aim: The aim of this study was to analyze, by the aid of microbiological analysis and the field emission scanning electron microscopical (FESEM) analysis, the role of high-density polytetrafluoroethylene (d-PTFE) membranes in avoiding the microbial colonization of a nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (nc-HA) bone graft and the involvement of this colonization in the healing process. Materials and methods: Six patients underwent extraction of unrecoverable teeth, and a socket preservation technique was carried out with nc-HA synthetic bone graft and then covered with a d-PTFE membrane.