Faculty Bibliography

Resorbable and non-resorbable membranes have been fabricated to try and facilitate augmentation of alveolar ridge defects, induce bone and soft tissue regeneration, improve bone grafting results, treat failing implants, and enhance esthetics.1,3 As bioengineering technologies advance, the options for clinical application of these membranes will inevitably grow. The advent of synthetic, bioactive, and multi-layered nano fibrous membranes created from electro-spun technologies have already demonstrated beneficial uses for both guided tissue (GTR) and bone regeneration (GBR).2 No matter the technological makeup, barrier membranes need to share fundamental criteria to improve host responses and success. Some of these criteria include biocompatibility, space-making, cell-occlusiveness, tissue integration, and clinical manageability.4 A fine balance exists between many of the different biologic and structural components that comprise these membranes. Degradation times, membrane thickness, cell infiltration rates, malleability, and rigidity all play a role in their overall effectiveness. In this literature review, we plan to summarize the designs, indications, contraindications, and success/failure rates of both historic and more technologically advanced barrier membranes. As implantology becomes more ubiquitous throughout many of the dental sub-specialities, the clinical uses and applications of these materials will only expand. It is therefore imperative for practitioners to have a better fundamental understanding of the materials available to provide the best possible outcome for their respective patient populations

Eating disorders are common in girls and women. Two common eating disorders--anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa--have significant medical complications. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons must be cognizant of the signs, symptoms, and medical consequences of these disorders. The increased incidence of these diseases has implications in the surgical management the oral and maxillofacial surgery patient. A review of the literature and guidelines in the perioperative management of these surgical patients are presented in this article.