The effect of different membranes on onlay bone graft success in the dog mandible

Objective. The aim of this study was to compare resorbable membranes, nonresorbable membranes, and no coverage with respect to onlay bone graft healing in a dog. Experimental design. Each of four dogs had six corticocancellous blocks of ramus bone placed bilaterally as onlay grafts to the inferior lateral aspect of the mandible. On each side, one graft was left uncovered, one was covered with a collagen membrane, and one was covered with an expanded polyletrafluoroethylene membrane. Volume determinations were made at the time of graft placement and when the animals were killed. Results. There were no statistically significant differences in bone volume or histologic outcome among the three groups.