What is AlloDerm?
Alloderm donor graft is a sophisticated technology available if you have exhibited gum recession. Traditional gum grafting has involved taking gum tissue from the roof of your mouth and transplanting it to a new location, the alloderm donor graft eliminates the need to create the second wound site on the roof of your mouth.
Soft tissue grafting procedures are used in periodontics to treat a variety of dental conditions and deficiencies with gum tissue, which includes gum recession. Conventional common methods of soft tissue grafting rely on the harvesting of your own tissue through incisions on the roof of your mouth. This tissue is then transferred to the areas in need and secured in place. These methods have been shown to be an effective treatment, but usually patients report significant discomfort during the healing process following the procedure.
Your dentist can offer you a less invasive method of soft tissue grafting by using a technological advancement called Alloderm. Alloderm is an alternative material used for gum grafting that does not require the harvesting of tissue from you. Alloderm is an accelular dermal matrix mesh material that aids your body to incorporate new blood vessels and grow new soft tissue cells.
Some Reasons to Treat Gum Recession
Periodontal disease and aggressive tooth brushing are two primary causes for gum recession and can lead to the following:
- An unattractive smile.
- Increased root sensitivity.
- The loss of supporting bone.
- Increased tooth decay.
- Accelerated plaque build-up.
- The risk of continued gum recession.
The Benefits of Using Alloderm
Thousands of dentists and clinicians have made AlloDerm their choice for gum grafting due to the following advantages:
- An excellent safety profile and very predictable alternative to your own tissue.
- It offers a natural outcome.
- It avoids discomfort, pain, and potential complications associated with the removal of palatal tissue.
The Gum Grafting Procedure with AlloDerm
AlloDerm is a dehydrated sheet of sterilized tissue obtained from donated cadaver skin. Which means it is skin from an organ donor that has been processed to remove all the cells. There is nothing living remaining in it. There are no cells remaining, which is why it is called an acellular dermal matrix. It is just the scaffold that remains after the cells are removed.
Healthy gum tissue protects your teeth and their roots from periodontal disease, increased sensitivity, and contributes to a healthy smile. Routine dental exams along with proper daily brushing are essential for maintaining healthy gums but you may still require treatment. Gum recession has been treated by retrieving soft tissue from the roof of your mouth. However, removing tissue from your palate creates additional discomfort that may not be necessary.
AlloDerm allows your dentist to restore your smile without retrieving your tissue from the palate. AlloDerm will provide a natural outcome and is a successful alternative to using your own tissue.
Aftercare Following a Reconstructive Procedure
The site might be covered with a dressing material. Recovery instructions can vary from patient to patient. Your instructions might include but are not limited to the following:
- Avoid tooth brushing near the site.
- Avoid chewing near the site.
- Take medications as prescribed, such as antibiotics, pain medication, or mouth rinse.