Benefits of AlloDerm
Two of the most common causes of gum recession are periodontal disease and overly aggressive tooth brushing. Healthy, strong gum tissue helps hold the teeth in their proper positions in the mouth, protecting the tooth roots from invasive bacteria and sensitivity. When the gum tissue is compromised by disease or excessive force, the risk of further damage increases; when the gums recede, there is less protection against plaque and bacteria, which increases the likelihood of tooth decay, bone loss, and future gingival recession. Gum recession can also lead to sensitivity in the teeth when the roots become exposed, and the appearance of compromised gum tissue and visible tooth roots can diminish the attractiveness of a person’s smile. Regular dental checkups and effective oral hygiene can help patients maintain the health of their gums, but when gum recession does occur, dentists may recommend gum grafts. This gingival reconstruction surgery has historically relied on tissue grafts derived from the patient’s own oral cavity, using soft tissue taken from multiple small incisions in the roof of the mouth and suturing this harvested tissue in place in the areas of damaged or diminished gum tissue. Since the invention of AlloDerm, however, dentists can restore compromised areas with a less invasive, highly successful treatment method that conveys multiple benefits.
AlloDerm is processed human donor tissue that has been thoroughly screened and prepared so that all genetic and cellular material is removed from the tissue. This creates a matrix of regenerative tissue that is used to scaffold the patient’s own healthy gum tissue, helping the existing tissue become revitalized and healthy. AlloDerm has been used in medical contexts for decades and has proven success in clinical and research applications for more than a decade, providing multiple advantages over other tissue grafting methods. For many patients, the foremost benefit is that AlloDerm treatments involve relatively brief recovery times with very little risk of complications, and the procedure is far less painful than autografts that rely on tissue harvested from the patient’s own palate. AlloDerm also provides natural, aesthetically pleasing and clinically sound results, and it comes with an exceptional safety profile with consistently predictable outcomes.
AlloDerm was introduced for medical use in 1994 and was adopted by dental practitioners shortly thereafter. Since its inception, more than a million AlloDerm grafts have been successfully placed over a breadth of medical and dental applications. When used for gingival restoration, AlloDerm dramatically reduces recovery times and makes a potentially painful procedure more than manageable. To ensure proper healing, patients should avoid heavy exercise for about a week after grafts are placed so that the blood pressure remains normal and the risk of post-surgical bleeding is reduced. Following your AlloDerm grafts, the site may be covered with surgical dressing for a period. Your dentist will give you specific instructions for care both before and after your gingival restoration; you should expect to receive an antibacterial rinse to keep the oral cavity and grafted area clean, and you’ll want to avoid chewing with, brushing, or flossing at or near the affected area for the recommended time period. Once healing has completed, treat your newly restored smile with the care and attention it deserves; you can help extend the benefits of AlloDerm for a lifetime.