Gingivitis and in its advanced state, periodontitis, has a profound effect on the gums. As gingivitis progresses, more and more bacteria and plaque build up, causing the gums to stretch. This results in large pockets, which, when cleaned out, remain on your gum line. These pockets cause the gums to recede, which is unaesthetic. When the gums recede, an abnormal amount of tooth structure is exposed.

Gum grafting is the corrective procedure that restores the gum to its natural, healthy state. In most offices the receded gums are grafted using soft gum tissue from the roof of the mouth which serves as a secondary surgical site for graft harvesting. The goal of the graft is to cover exposed tooth and root surfaces with grafted oral tissue. This grafting encourages new tissue growth that will enable the gums to return to its original position around the teeth. The procedure is routine and employed by most practitioners.

At Mountainside Oral Implantology we offer an advanced micro surgical technique which eliminates the need to harvest from the roof of the mouth. Our technique involves the use of donor connective tissue graft which is reconstituted in the patient’s own Platelet Rich Plasma containing growth factors and surgically tunnelled under the gum with no releasing incisions; this tunneling technique results in a more positive healing experience and a better esthetic outcome.

AlloDerm is a brand name for a human-derived acellular dermal matrix (ADM) that is used in various surgical and dental procedures, including gum grafting. AlloDerm is processed human tissue that has had the cells removed, leaving behind a scaffold of collagen, elastin, and other proteins.

In the context of gum grafting, AlloDerm is used as an alternative to traditional gum grafting techniques that involve taking tissue from the patient’s palate or another donor site in the mouth. With AlloDerm gum grafting, the processed tissue matrix is used to augment the gum tissue in areas where there is gum recession or insufficient gum tissue.

During the procedure, the AlloDerm matrix is placed over the exposed root surface of the tooth and secured in place. Over time, the patient’s own cells populate the AlloDerm matrix, integrating it into the surrounding tissue and providing a natural-looking and functional gum tissue.

AlloDerm gum grafting has become a popular option in dental surgical practices as it eliminates the need for a second surgical site, reducing patient discomfort and recovery time. However, as with any medical procedure, it’s important for patients to discuss the potential benefits and risks with their dental or periodontal specialist before undergoing AlloDerm gum grafting.