Going Back to your Roots

By: Katharine Griffiths
Created on 12th January 2010

Traditionally it has been not feasible to treat exposed gums but with Alloderm it is now possible to reverse this sign of ageing and give you back your beautiful smile

Healthy gum tissue protects your teeth from disease and sensitivity and helps produce a great smile. When you experience loss of gum tissue around your teeth it can be the beginning of serious oral health problems.

Historically, treatment was geared to maintenance of existing gum tissue following its loss, but now this loss can be predictably reversed, producing great and long lasting results.

Alloderm is donated human tissue which is processed to remove all cells resulting in a product which promotes rapid revascularization. The graft is then ready for implantation to help the body begin its own tissue regenerative process. It exhibits a remarkable versatility to convert into functional tissues that provide structural support.

Alloderm is widely used in medicine for plastic and reconstructive surgery and is used in challenging hernia and abdominal surgeries, breast reconstruction, treatment and repair of burns and now can be clinically applied in cosmetic gum grafting techniques.

How does Alloderm work?
Alloderm repairs damaged tissue by providing a foundation for new tissue regeneration. The components preserved in Alloderm contain the information that will help your own tissue to grow into the graft after placement.

Soon after placement, blood flows from your tissue into the Alloderm. Next, your own cells move into the Alloderm and begin the process of tissue regeneration. Over time, Alloderm allows regrowth of your own healthy gum tissue.

What to expect after surgery
You will have some initial swelling and possibly some mild bruising. One should avoid pulling on the lip to look at the area of surgery or to persistently rub your tongue over the area. This could lead to increased swelling and delayed healing.

Brushing the area of surgery should be avoided for seven to ten days as brushing the site could damage the graft in the early healing phase. You should continue brushing in all other areas as normal.

Healing times differ from person to person and also on the complexity of the procedure. Excellent results would be visible immediately after surgery with complete maturation of the graft taking up to three months to occur.

Your body's natural healing process will stimulate your cells to enter the graft and begin the regeneration and integration process shortly after surgery.
CS&AM