Guided Bone Regeneration: biological principle and therapeutic applications

The Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR) treatment concept advocates that regeneration of osseous defects is predictably attainable via the application of occlusive membranes, which mechanically exclude non-osteogenic cell populations from the surrounding soft tissues, thereby allowing osteogenic cell populations originating from the parent bone to inhabit the osseous wound. The present review discusses the evolution of the GBR biological rationale and therapeutic concept over the last two decades. Further, an overview of the GBR research history is provided with specific focus on the evidence available on its effectiveness and predictability in promoting the regeneration of critical size cranio-maxillo-facial…