Use of Collagen Membrane in the Treatment of Periodontal Defects Distal to Mandibular Second Molars Following Surgical Removal of Impacted Mandibular Third Molars: A Comparative Clinical Study

The study aims to assess the efficacy of using collagen membrane in the treatment of distal periodontal defects of mandibular second molars following the removal of mesioangularly or horizontally impacted mandibular third molars surgically. Forty sites in twenty patients with bilaterally impacted mandibular third molars (mesioangular or horizontal) were considered for the study. In 20 test sites (Group A), after surgical removal of the mandibular third molar, a resorbable collagen membrane barrier was placed on the distal aspect of the mandibular second molar to cover the post-surgical bone defect. In the other control 20 sites (Group B), the same surgical procedure was repeated without placing any membrane barrier. The clinical parameters recorded were Oral Hygiene Index Simplified (OHI-S), Probing pocket depth (PPD), Clinical attachment level (CAL), and radiographic assessment of alveolar bone level (ABL). OHI-S score of most of the patients was observed to be satisfactory. Group A was observed to achieve a statistically significant reduction in PPD, CAL, and ABL gain compared to Group B. The improvements indicated that the use of collagen membrane facilitates early wound stabilization and promotes primary closure of the defect. This recovery is achieved through its unique property to assist fibrinogenesis over osteoconduction. Further longitudinal studies are needed to confirm the present findings.