Connective Tissue Graft

Connective Tissue Graft is done in order to treat gingival recession. Most often, the gingival recession can be caused by aggressive tooth brushing or by gum disease. The gum tissue recedes and roots become exposed and sensitive. Gum recession will also lead to other problems like loss of supporting bone and increase in plaque build-up.

The Importance of healthy gum tissue
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.  Fortunately, your doctor can perform a predictable treatment for reversing this tissue loss.  In the past this procedure required that a piece of tissue be harvested from the roof of you mouth to serve as the graft material.  Unfortunately, not everyone has enough tissue available or wants to have tissue taken from this sensitive area.

GUM RECESSION:  Agreesive tooth brushing and gum disease are two leading reasons why gum tissue recedes and roots become exposed.  Exposed roots may be sensitive to temperature change, vulnerable to decay, and associated with loss of supporting bone.  Gum recession and exposed roots can lead to the following problems (figure 1):    

• Decrease in esthetics                                                         
• Increase in root sensitivity
• Loss of supporting bone
• Increase in plague build-up*
• Risk of future recession*

            
  Figure 1:  Recession may lead to interdental bone loss leading to complications beyond gum recession

  
  WHAT IS ALLODERM?
  AlloDerm is donated human tissue that has been processed to remove donor cells, leading to a regenerative tissue matrix.  AlloDerm is processed by LifeCell Corporation and distributed in the dental market by BioHorizons.

          

  HOW SAFE IS ALLODERM?
  AlloDerm is widely used in both medicine and dentistry for plastic and reconstructive surgery.  Originally developed to treat burn patients, it is also used in:

  -General surgery                     - Urogenital surgery

  - Orthopedic surgery                - Dental surgery

  Since its introduction in 1994, over 1 million AlloDerm grafts have been successfully placed with no known incidence of disease transmission.

  Donor tissue is extensively screened and tested for the presence of diseases and then undergoes LifeCell’s proprietary processing procedures to ensure that AlloDerm is virally inactivated before release for patient care.

                         

  Figure 2:  Exposed root surface before              Figure 3:  Root surfaces covered and

  grafting with Alloderm                                        protected following grafting with AlloDerm

   

  AFTER SURGERY
  Post operative instructions can vary for each patient and must be consulted with your doctor.  Post operative instructions could include but are limited to:

  • Surgical site may be covered with a dressing material
  • Antibiotics prescribed to limit inflammation
  • Medication prescribed to manage post operative pain
  • Mouth rinse prescribed to clean surgical site
  • Surgical site should be left undisturbed.  Toothbrushing and chewing should be avoided at the surgical site

  For more information
  Every patient is different and patient results may vary.  Only a trained clinician can determine the best treatment plan for you.  Please ask your dentist to explain the benefits and risks to see if AlloDerm is right  for you.  You can also find information on the web at http://www.biohorizons.com/

  
  References*                                                 

• AlloDerm An Effective Alternative to Palatar Donor Tissue for Treatment of Gingival Recession.  Allen EP Dent Today 2006; 48. 50-2; quiz 52 
• Histologic Evaluation of Autogenous Connective Tissue and Acellular Dermal Matrix Grafts in Humans.
• Cummings LC, Kaldahl WB, Allen EP. J Periodontal 2005;76: 178-186
• Clinical Evaluation of 3 Techniques to Augment Keratinized Tissue Without Root Coverage. Harris RJ J Periodontal 2001; 72: 932-938