Whether your receding gums are caused by gum disease or improperly brushing the teeth, there is a real risk of exposing the root of the tooth. Exposed roots do not have the same amount of protective enamel as the rest of the tooth. This increases your risk of tooth decay and makes the tooth more sensitive to hot and cold items. More importantly, it can lead to bone loss. Once the gums have receded, it is important to graft tissue over the tooth root.
Past Option for Tissue Grafts
In the past, tissue was taken from the roof of the mouth. This created two surgical sites within the mouth. Patients disliked the pain and discomfort as both the roof of the mouth and the gum line healed. Periodontists like Dr. John Paul Gallardo discovered an alternative option with AlloDerm Regenerative Tissue Matrix.
What is AlloDerm?
AlloDerm Regenerative Tissue Matrix involves donated skin tissue. Specialists at LifeCell have a proprietary method to remove any cells and epidermis that lead to failed grafts and rejected tissue. When the AlloDerm tissue is grafted to your gums, your body takes the tissue and begins the natural process of regenerating new tissue. The donated tissue is used in a wide range of medical and dental fields ranging from dental surgeries to breast reconstructions.
Is AlloDerm Safe?
Because LifeCell does remove the cells and tissues that lead to rejection, you do not have to worry about a failed graft. In addition, all of the donated tissue comes from tissue banks that follow strict safety rules. Every donation is carefully screened using FDA, AATB, and state regulations for your safety. Since 1994, AlloDerm has been used in more than one million patients without any problems.
What Happens During the Surgical Gum Graft?
First, Dr. Gallardo uses anesthesia to make sure you do not feel any pain or discomfort during the surgery. If you are one of the many Americans who experience fear of the dentist, Dr. Gallardo does offer sedation dentistry to ensure your comfort.
After making incisions around the tooth affected by gum loss and preparing it for the graft, AlloDerm is rehydrated using a saline solution and then trimmed to fit the surgical site. It is then sutured into place.
What is the Recovery Like?
After a gum graft, Dr. Gallardo may choose to cover the surgical site with a protective surgical dressing. Medications to alleviate pain and to reduce inflammation are given. You’ll also be given a prescription mouth rinse to keep the surgical site clean. Do not brush the teeth near the surgical site or chew on that side until Dr. Gallardo says it’s okay to do so. You will return to Dr. Gallardo’s office to make sure the site is healing correctly.
Dr. Gallardo completed advanced graduate training in periodontics and dental implants at Boston University. He appears in the Miami Herald as an expert contributor in oral health and presents lectures on gum disease throughout the world. This was followed by additional training in Periodontics and Dental Implants at Baylor College of Dentistry-TAMUS. Save time before your periodontal appointment at Gallardo Periodontics and Implant Dentistry by printing out and completing the patient information form. Call (305) 447-1447 to schedule an appointment with the Miami, Florida, periodontal specialists.
