Alloderm

Latest update: September 11, 2024
Medically reviewed by: Greg Grillo, DDS

Details

Gum recession is most often caused by lack of oral care or improper brushing, and it can result in loss of gum tissue and teeth. Gum disease is a common condition that many people experience. If left untreated, it can escalate to infection, tooth sensitivity, gum recession, tooth loss, and bone loss. A temporary solution to minimize the pain when the root of the teeth is exposed is a bonding treatment. Unfortunately, bonding is not for the long  term. The bone tissue can deteriorate further, and when the condition becomes severe, treatment is needed to restore the gums.

Grafting can also be an option. During this procedure, dentists extract gum tissues from other parts of the mouth to heal the affected site.

Alloderm is another way to treat severe gum disease. This  minimally invasive treatment can reverse tissue loss.  It can also heal and restore the gums without harvesting tissue from multiple areas. Alloderm is a tissue taken from the dermis and epidermis layer of a donor, not the patient. 

This makes the procedure less invasive and faster. As it is a human tissue with  a low chance of rejection, recovery is a lot smoother, less painful, and very effective. The Alloderm tissue contains a layer of collagen, which helps cells regenerate and speed up healing. When the Alloderm tissue is inserted, the collagen binds with the existing tissue. It then encourages cell and tissue growth to heal the receding gum tissue.

The Alloderm gum recession treatment is a quick procedure compared  to traditional grafting. It only requires one site to operate on instead of multiple locations.

The treatment begins with numbing the entire mouth. Dentists then make incisions in the gum tissue surrounding the infected teeth and open a pocket. They clean the area thoroughly and place the Alloderm tissue into the pocket. They position it to cover the exposed root before stitching it up. After the treatment, common symptoms include swelling and tenderness. These will fade within a few days.
Anesthesia
local
Operation Time
Inpatient Period
n/a
Number of Appointments
Recovery Period
1-2 weeks
Invasiveness
yes

Dr. Gewant Discusses the Advantages of Alloderm Gum Graft

Dr. Kenneth Gewant talks about the advances in the treatment of gum recession. He discusses the differences between Alloderm Gum Graft and the traditional procedure. He covers what the procedure entails.

Post-op Instructions - Gum Graft with AlloDerm Membrane

This video, from Dr. Timothy Johnston, is directed at people that have had an AlloDerm Gum Graft. He instructs patients on aftercare and how to look after their gums after the procedure.