What is AlloDerm made of?
A gum graft is used to restore the gum line on patients that are experiencing gum recession. Gum recession can happen with poor oral hygiene, overly aggressive brushing, genetics, and periodontal disease. When the gum tissue begins to pull away from the tooth surface, the root of the tooth can become exposed, causing extreme sensitivity and discomfort for the patient. The gum tissue also protects the jaw bone structure and helps keep teeth in place. With gum recession, the patient risks bone loss and tooth mobility, and eventually tooth loss.
There are a few different types of gum grafts that can be used to restore the gum line. And connective tissue graft and free gingival graft both use tissue harvested from the roof of the patient's mouth. An allograft and xenograft use donor tissues harvested from either a human cadaver or an animal, typically a cow or pig.
AlloDerm is a type of donor graft and is very beneficial to patient recovery. AlloDerm is also commonly used in plastic and reconstructive surgeries. It is an acellular dermal tissue that is this thick but has cells removed, ensuring no cellular, bacterial, or viral properties. Donors are screened for any transmittable diseases before tissue is harvested.
AlloDerm acts as a foundation to promote cell growth in the affected area. The body's natural healing process will allow the graft to integrate with natural gum tissue. This type of graft is incredibly safe and has predictable outcomes. It is also more likely to provide an aesthetically pleasing result as opposed to using the patient's own palatal tissue.
The healing process after an AlloDerm graft is a much easier healing process for the patient since they do not have two surgical sites. It is also possible to treat the entire mouth all at once with an AlloDerm graft since the tissue does not have to be taken from the roof of the mouth. When the patient’s own tissue is utilized, only a few recession sites can be treated at a time.
Having healthy gum tissue is key to maintaining your natural teeth as long as possible and having a healthy smile. If you are experiencing a recession, you may be able to address the issue with the deep cleaning at your dental office. Once recession advances to the point of needing a graft, it is important to have treatment as soon as possible to avoid further damage to to prevent bone and tooth loss.
Speak with your dentist as soon as you notice any recession or sensitivity. A deep cleaning may be all you need to restore your gum line and bring your mouth back to a healthy state!