To reduce your risk of serious oral health issues, keeping your gums in optimal health is important. When your gums are not properly cared for, they may recede and cause the roots of your teeth to expose. If you are coping with gum recession, a gum graft with AlloDerm® by LifeCell may be just what you need. AlloDerm® is a revolutionary treatment that’s designed to reverse tissue loss and restore gum health. Dr. John Paul Gallardo is pleased to offer AlloDerm® to patients in the Miami area who are suffering from receding gums.
Good Candidates for AlloDerm®
Patients who are generally healthy but have been diagnosed with moderate to severe gum recession are ideal candidates for AlloDerm®. Dr. Gallardo examines each patient’s teeth, mouth, and gums to determine whether AlloDerm® is a good option for their individual needs.
What to Expect During an AlloDerm® Consultation
An AlloDerm® consultation is a great way for patients to find out if the procedure is right for them. After asking several questions and reviewing a patient’s medical history, Dr. Gallardo will evaluate the patient’s receding gums. If he believes AlloDerm® is a viable treatment option, he will go over the procedure and aftercare process. In the event that AlloDerm® not a good fit for the patient, he will recommend an effective alternative.
Why Gum Recession Occurs
Gum recession is a common condition that many people experience at some point in their life. It can occur because of genetics, poor dental care, aggressive tooth brushing, smoking and tobacco usage, and teeth grinding. Gum recession may also be the result of crooked teeth, a misaligned bite, or a body piercing on the tongue or lip.
Most Common Signs of Gum Recession
Gum recession is not a condition that suddenly appears. In fact, many patients may not even notice that their gums have receded. This condition occurs gradually and may cause teeth to become sensitive to hot or cold temperatures, make teeth appear longer than usual, cause the spaces between teeth to expand, and expose the roots of the teeth.
Patients who believe they are displaying signs of gum recession should visit an experienced periodontist like Dr. Gallardo as soon as possible. Waiting to seek professional medical attention may compromise the health and function of the teeth.
Popular Gum Recession Treatments
It’s vital for patients living with gum recession or gum disease to visit a gum disease specialist like Dr. Gallardo who can restore their gum tissue and help them prevent their condition from worsening. Unfortunately, the majority of gum recession treatments are painful and very invasive. In most cases, they involve deep scaling and root planing, which can lead to pain and irritation. Scaling and planing is designed to thoroughly clean below the surface of the gums to remove the plaque and bacteria that cause gum disease.
Another common gum disease treatment that’s usually performed in more serious cases of gum recession is called gum grafting. Its purpose is to restore lost tissue. In gum grafting, gum tissue is taken from one area in the patient’s mouth and grafted or attached to an area that the has lost gum tissue around a tooth. After the area heals, it can protect exposed tooth roots and create a more natural appearance.
AlloDerm® is a soft tissue gum grafting material that is the ideal way to treat gum recession through gum grafting. It is an excellent alternative to using a patient’s own gum tissue because it does not involve any additional surgery. AlloDerm® allows the donated human tissue to act just like the patient’s own tissue and is now commonly used in dentistry.
Preparing for AlloDerm®
The day prior to an AlloDerm® gum grafting procedure, patients are required to take a prescription antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drug. These medications will be taken until they are finished and help prevent infection as well as reduce swelling in the nearby tissue.
How AlloDerm® Works
During the AlloDerm® procedure, Dr. Gallardo will begin by performing a deep cleaning treatment to remove any buildup and debris on the teeth and gums. Then, he will administer a local anesthetic to ensure patient comfort. Next, he will place small incisions in the gums while they are being built up through AlloDerm®.
The purpose of this is to create a tiny pocket where the regenerative tissue will be placed. During this stage, it may seem like there has been too much tissue placed. In time, it will look more natural as healing occurs. Lastly, sutures will be used to stabilize the graft and prevent the tissue from shifting to allow for proper healing.
Benefits of AlloDerm®
There are several reasons our patients prefer AlloDerm® over other gum recession treatments. AlloDerm® allows them to avoid having a second surgical wound on the palate to harvest tissue and makes it possible for the entire mouth to be treated in just a few appointments. In addition, it can be customized to fit their particular needs and improves the success of gingival grafting.
Recovering From AlloDerm®
After AlloDerm®, patients will likely experience tenderness, swelling, and a bit of pain and discomfort. To help ease pain and prevent gums from becoming infected, we’ll provide comprehensive after-care instructions. Dr. Gallardo will encourage patients to refrain from pulling down their lips to take a peek at the surgical site and explain how they can be careful with the dressing material that is placed over the site of surgery.
A few days after the AlloDerm® procedure, patients will return to our office so that Dr. Gallardo can remove the dressing material. It’s essential for patients to use our recommended mouth rinse and stay away from eating granular foods that may have a negative impact on their surgical site. In the event that the patient develops an infection, Dr. Gallardo can prescribe an antibiotic. Since moving or removing the gum graft can lead to unsuccessful results, patients must be extra cautious when eating.
Weeks and months after the procedure, Dr. Gallardo will evaluate the gums to make sure they are in good shape and growing properly. Compete healing from AlloDerm® typically takes two to six months.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gum Recession and AlloDerm®
Gum grafts are designed to reverse gum recession and stop bone loss. However, they offer other benefits including reduced tooth sensitivity and the protection of the tooth roots from decay.
Yes. AlloDerm® can improve your smile by creating a more even gum line. It can allow you to smile and speak with confidence.
A healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk of gum recession. It’s important to eat a nutritious, well-balanced diet and quit smoking and/or using tobacco if you want to prevent receding gums. You should also visit your dentist twice a year as they can detect issues early on and prevent them from worsening. When you brush your teeth, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and scrub gently.
What does gum recession look like?
When the mouth is healthy, the gums are pink and there is a consistent gum line that surrounds teeth. When gum recession occurs, the gums have an inflamed appearance. The gum line may also appear lower around some teeth than others.
Why was AlloDerm® originally developed?
When AlloDerm® first made its debut, it was used to treat burn patients. Today, it is used in dental surgery, general surgery, orthopedic surgery, and urogenital surgery.
Where does AlloDerm® come from?
AlloDerm® comes from a tissue bank. It is essentially processed gum material that removes all cells and creates a regenerative tissue matrix.
How can I improve my gum health?
There are a number of strategies that may help you improve your gum health. Rather than using a regular toothbrush, opt for an electric one and brush correctly at least twice each day. You should also massage your gums regularly, floss every day, and use a receding gums mouthwash and toothpaste that contains fluoride. Also, wear a custom-made nightguard, if you grind or clench your teeth.
Why Choose Gallardo Periodontics and Implant Dentistry
If you’re in search of an experienced, highly-trained gum recession expert in Miami, look no further than Dr. Gallardo of Gallardo Periodontics and Implant Dentistry. Dr. Gallardo is a huge advocate of AlloDerm® and has used it to perform many procedures to date. If you are living with gum recession, he can help you restore the condition of your gums and improve your oral health through an advanced AlloDerm® treatment.h2
Schedule an AlloDerm® Consultation Today
For more information on AlloDerm® and to determine whether the treatment is right for you, we encourage you to schedule a private consultation at our office today. Dr. Gallardo looks forward to meeting you and learning more about your oral health needs. Call our Miami office today at 305-547-8687 to schedule a consultation at a time that works best for you. We can help improve the appearance of your gums and alleviate any pain or discomfort you may be experiencing.
* Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.