Gum grafting surgery using Acellular Dermal Matrix (ADM)
Gum recession is a common consequence of periodontal disease. A buildup of tartar, plaque and bacteria causes the gums to recede—or pull away from the teeth—exposing the roots. Because the roots aren’t covered with enamel, gum recession can lead to problems ranging from tooth sensitivity and decay to bone and tooth loss.
Treatment. Gum recession can be treated surgically, with grafted material used to expand the tissue to cover the exposed roots. Traditionally, grafting material was taken from the roof (palate) of your mouth. Over the years, palatal grafts have been replaced by less painful and more versatile solutions including ADM.
ADM grafts have been used for reconstructive and cosmetic dental surgeries since 1994, with no safety issues and really good results. The matrix is derived from donated human skin tissue, meticulously screened and processed to be disease-free. ADM allows us to restore your gums—and your smile—without removing tissue from your palate. And since ADM is available in unlimited supply (unlike your own tissue), we can restore multiple teeth at the same time.
The donated tissue used to make ADM is not only processed to ensure it is free of disease, it’s further processed to virtually eliminate the possibility of rejection, while leaving regenerative properties intact. Meaning, the resulting tissue matrix is able to stimulate your body to regrow healthy gum tissue for a natural esthetic appearance.
Gum grafting surgery:
After numbing your mouth, microsurgical incisions are made in your gumline around the affected tooth or teeth—this may feel like a gentle pulling or pushing—to create a space for the ADM tissue graft. A small sheet or two of the matrix is inserted underneath your now-loosened gum and around your tooth, covering as much of the exposed root as possible. Your gum tissue is then carefully folded back up over the grafts and sutured into place.
This video demonstrates a gingival graft using ADM.
What to expect after surgery:
Pain is usually minimal after the first day. Use ice on and off for the first 24 hours to reduce swelling. (Swelling is a normal part of the healing process—don’t be alarmed.) Limit tooth-brushing at the gum line near the surgical site. And take your antibiotic, NSAID for pain relief, and your antibacterial mouth rinse as directed. Healing times vary but you should be feeling like your old self within a week or two.
If you have any questions or concerns after surgery, we are available 24/7 on our cell phones.