What complication may arise from membrane exposure during regeneration?

Membrane exposure during regeneration can lead to increased morbidity, primarily because the exposed membranes become vulnerable to contamination and compromise the healing process. When a membrane used for guided bone regeneration is exposed to the oral environment, it can be colonized by bacteria, leading to infection or inflammatory reactions. This can hinder the regenerative process, result in the loss of the graft material, and necessitate additional surgical interventions, thereby increasing the overall morbidity for the patient.

Additionally, membrane exposure can disrupt the intended biological environment necessary for proper tissue and bone healing, leading to complications such as delayed healing or failure of the regenerative procedure. This is why increased morbidity is the most relevant consequence of membrane exposure in regenerative periodontal treatments. Other options, such as improved healing or decreased infection risk, do not accurately reflect the consequences of this complication.