What is AlloDerm?
Gum recession is relatively common for patients, especially as they age. AlloDerm is a sophisticated treatment where donor graft tissue is used for patients with gum recession. With traditional gum grafting, the dental professional harvests gum tissue from the roof of the patient’s mouth. It is then transplanted to the area which requires treatment. In contrast, AlloDerm uses donor graft and eliminates the need for a second surgical site on palate of the patient’s mouth. Donor grafts tissue is obtained from a tissue bank. It goes through extensive screaming, testing, and processing to ensure the tissue is compatible and ensure the treatment is successful. Large areas can be treated at once, requiring fewer visits and ensuring treatment is completed as quickly as possible. The treatment time is must faster compared to traditional grafting.
Periodontists use soft tissue grafting procedures to treat various dental issues and gum deficiencies. One of the main issues treated with grafting is gum recession. Traditional soft tissue grafting procedures require that the tissue is harvested from the patient’s own mouth. This is completed with one or more incisions on the patient’s palate. Following the removal, the tissue is transferred to areas which require repair and it is secured in place. While these traditional grafting methods are highly effective, they can also require more time for healing and result in significant discomfort.
AlloDerm is less invasive type of soft tissue grafting which uses highly advanced technology. AlloDerm does not require that soft tissue is harvested from the patient. An acellular dermal matrix material is used with AlloDerm which acts as a scaffold for the body while it repairs the gums. It stimulates the growth of new soft tissue cells and incorporates new blood vessels during the healing process.
AlloDerm was originally created in the 1950’s as a method for treating burn patients. In addition to being used in dentistry, AlloDerm is used by surgeons for patients with severe burns, in plastic surgery, and in other types of treatments. AlloDerm has been in use for more than 10 years in dentistry. It is an incredibly safe and effective treatment.
AlloDerm is a minimally invasive alternative to traditional tissue grafting. It gives dentists the ability to restore gum tissue with safe, predictable, and aesthetically successful results. By eliminating the tissue harvesting procedure, post-operative discomfort is minimized and recovery is expedited.
- AlloDerm is a brand of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) that is commonly used in breast reconstruction procedures.
- ADMs are pliable, versatile sheets of dehydrated tissue from which the cells have been removed.
- Acellular dermal matrix acts like a scaffolding and provides extra support during breast reconstructive surgery.
AlloDerm is a type of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) which is a dehydrated sheet of sterile tissue. The tissue is obtained from donated cadaver skin. It is processed and all cells are removed, meaning it is not a living organism. The removal of the cells is why it is called an “acellular” dermal matrix. The end result is essentially scaffolding used to restore the gums. During the healing process, the body slowly grows into the scaffold and provides the gums with added strength and support.