Gum (Gingival) Grafting with Alloderm

Gum Grafting in North York and Toronto

North York and Toronto Dentist Dr.Nathan Haas uses Alloderm www.biohorizons.com/alloderm.aspx to repair and restore the health of your gums. Whether you have had recession of your gums occur due to aggressive toothbrushing, orthodontics, grinding/clenching, malocclusion or tooth loss, Alloderm may be treatment option for you to restore coverage of your exposed root surfaces. 

As in other cases where tissue may be removed from other areas in your mouth (such as your palate) to allow for coverage, with Alloderm we are able to obtain coverage of the recessed areas without the discomfort of taking the tissue from your own mouth. 

AlloDerm is widely used in both medicine and dentistry for plastic and reconstructive surgery. Originally developed to treat burn patients, it is now used in general surgery, orthopedic surgery and urogenital surgery in addition to its applications in dental surgical procedures

Dr.Nathan Haas has been trained by Dr.Edward P.Allen who is a renowned American Periodontist who teaches advanced clinical techniques in oral plastic surgery, including minimally invasive surgical techniques for soft tissue grafting with Alloderm. These minimally invasive surgical techniques allows Dr.Haas to complete gum grafting surgery completely below the gumline (tunnel grafting), eliminating the need for external cutting of the gum tissue, thus healing occurs quickly and easily 

Tunnel Grafting: A specialized procedure practiced by some dentists and periodontists who are able to use a tunneling method that places graft membranes "into and under" gum tissue, thereby creating an optimally healthy environment for the growth and regeneration of new or more gum tissue. Commonly used in cases where tooth root covering needs to be increased either in height or thickness.

A tunneling procedure is superior to conventional gum grafting procedures because no incisions are made in the areas of recession. Incisions made during conventional gum grafting have the problem of increased rates of failure and scarring.As well, tunneling maintains the blood supply to the gum tissue which greatly increases the success rate and provides for a more esthetic result.

Pre-Alloderm Graft                         Post-Alloderm Graft/Healing

Pre-Alloderm Graft                         Post-Alloderm Graft/Healing   

This photo is an example of how alloderm is applied underneath the gums, at this point the gum tissue will be pulled down and over to cover the alloderm and then sutures (stitches) are inserted to allow healing. Note no incisions or cuts on the gum tissue, this is due to the unique tunneling technique which is performed completely below the gumline.

Call Stonebrook Dental today (416)636-4227 to schedule an alloderm consultation.