What is AlloDerm Made Of?
Gum disease is one of the most common causes of tooth loss. In addition, it can cause serious issues including heart attacks, strokes, and diabetes. AlloDerm is a modern treatment option used to restore a patient’s gums. Healthy gums are critical in maintaining good oral health and can also help prevent tooth loss. AlloDerm is an exceptional product where the patient’s own cells are used to regenerate and repair damaged tissue. The patient can use the body’s natural ability to heal without require numerous painful surgeries and tissue harvesting.
To minimize the risk of serious oral health issues, it is important to maintain good oral health. A vital component of good oral health is maintaining healthy gums. Gums which are not properly cared for can begin to recede. In some cases, the tooth’s roots become exposed. This can cause a great deal of pain and sensitivity. The dentist may suggest the use of a gum graft with AlloDerm for patients who are experiencing gum recession.
AlloDerm helps restore damaged tissue for various issues such as receding gums, severe burns, and plastic surgery. AlloDerm is called acellular dermal tissue. While it is thick, similar to the skin, the cells are completely removed. This additional layer is placed under the skin and provides additional support. It also aids in strengthening the existing tissue.
AlloDerm works by stimulating the body’s production of natural tissue. It essentially creates scaffolding and provides additional support while the gums are being restored. AlloDerm is incredibly pliable and can be used for large treatment areas. With traditional gum grafting, the soft tissue is harvested from the roof of the patient’s mouth. Not only does this involve an additional surgical area, but this also limits the size of the area which can be treated. With AlloDerm, the dentist uses absorbable sutures to strategically shape, rehydrate, and implant the tissue sheet.
AlloDerm is tissue which is donated from human cadaver skin. It is in the form of a dehydrated sheet of sterile tissue and goes through processing where all cells are removed. There is nothing living remaining on it, hence the use of the term “acellular” dermal matrix. It is very pliable and versatile for use in many different types of surgical procedures. The tissue goes through extensive screening, testing, and treatment to ensure it is safe. AlloDerm has an extremely high success rate with virtually no reports of failure. Because cells are removed, the body does not reject the tissue matrix.
Prior to undergoing an AlloDerm procedure, dentists encourage patients to stop smoking and using other tobacco products. These activities have a tendency to interfere with the growth of new tissue and prohibit the body’s natural healing process. The dentist will give patients specific instructions which must be followed during recovery. Some of these restrictions may include avoiding brushing on the area where AlloDerm was placed, being cautious with chewing and avoiding the treatment area, and avoiding pulling on the lips or rubbing the area with the tongue. Patients may also be advised to use mouthwash, pain medication, or antibiotics. It is important to follow the dosage on the medication and ensure that all medication is taken as prescribed.