What is AlloDerm Made Of?
AlloDerm is typically a processed tissue which has been used in Dentistry for years and is shown to contribute to the patients gum health, without requiring the discomfort of traditional gum tissue extraction. AlloDerm is a great option for replacing vital gum tissue within the patients oral ecosystem. Patients who experience gum loss may eventually develop advanced gum disease leading to tooth loss. Replacing tissue through grafting can help to secure the teeth within the gumline, strengthening their dental health.There are many conditions which lead to gum recession and the possibility of tissue grafting.
What is Gum Recession?
Gum recession occurs after gum inflammation, infection, or disease. Tissues surrounding the teeth lose blood flow, eventually causing them to shrink and shirk down the sides and base of the teeth. This will expose black triangles, and the roots of our teeth. Patients often report pain, bleeding, redness, and a decrease in self esteem.
What causes Gum Recession?
Gum recession can attributed to any of the three following common conditions
Gum Disease- Gum disease can be inherited or developed over time. Gum disease wreaks havoc on your mouth, teeth, and gums. Signs of gum disease include pain, redness, gum recession, bleeding, and halitosis.
Gum Infection- Gum infection occurs typically as a result of food or organic material occupying space within and around the gums. This material breaks down, creating a space for harmful bacteria to arrive and thrive. The bacteria grows and spreads, attacking gum tissues and causing gum recession. The symptoms of gum infection are similar to gum disease, and the two are often interrelated.
Why Seek Tissue Grafting
Tissue grafting can help to repair the smile of the patient, making them more confident and more likely to smile. Tissue grafting can also strengthen the support system of the teeth, helping to reduce the likelihood of tooth loss. Grafting is a simple procedure, wherein small incisions are made in order to adhere new tissues to the area. AlloDerm are specially treated tissues which are processed to ensure compatibility and acceptance.
AlloDerm Grafts
Once the patient and Doctor decide to move forward with tissue grafting, the process is fairly seamless. AlloDerm tissue grafting allows the doctor a versatility in multiple tissues grafted at a time. The Doctor can begin the grafting process, and the patient then simply has to recover and care for the affected areas. Patients are encouraged to cease anything that would irritate the areas while recovering. This may include smoking, or eating crunchy or spicy foods.
While recovering from AlloDerm Tissue grafting
Millions of AlloDerm tissue grafting procedures have occurred. The recovery process is very “by the book” rest and recover. Try to reduce heavy chewing around the area, particularly with crunchy and crispy food. Keep the area clean, and practice your usual fastidious hygiene while the tissues heal. Keep an eye on the area for any signs of infection. Infection can derail and extend your recovery. Signs of Infection include
* Redness
* Discoloration
* Pain
* Bleeding
* Discharge
* Persistent Bad Breath