Ten intrabony defects in 10 patients were treated by flap surgery including root surface debridement and placement of an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene(ePTFE) membrane. The membranes were removed after 4-6 weeks. This study was performed to examine the retrived ePTFE membrane by scanning electron microscopy(SEM) for bacterial contamination and adherent connective tissue elements, and to compare it with clinical conditions. The cervical portion of the membrane, which in most cases had become partially exposed to the oral cavity, had a bacterial deposit. Small bacterial colonies and a scatter of single cells in some instances extended into the apical portion of the membrane. Fibroblast-like cells, erythrocytes and fibrous structures were seen in the apical portion of the membrane. Outer surface of membrane tends to more bacterial contamination than inner surface(p<0.01), and upper portions more than lower portions(P<0.01). Comparison of ultrastructural findings and clinical conditions revealed that extent of bacterial contamination of the membrane correlated with gingival inflammation and extent of membrane exposure, but it was not significant statistically. The results suggested that gingival inflammation and membrane exposure affect periodontal regeneration by the use of ePTFE membrane.