Gum Grafting

When recession of the gums occurs, the body loses a natural defense against both bacterial penetration and trauma. When gum recession is a problem, gum reconstruction using grafting techniques is an option.

First, a simple distinction between attached  and non-attached gum tissue needs to be made.  The band of tissue directly around the teeth, typically pink/orange and stippled and 2-6mm wide, is called attached gum  because its attached or fixed to the bone underneath. Beyond the attached tissue, typically red/purple and moveable, is non-attached gum,  as it slides freely over the bone underneath. If you lose your zone of attached gum to the point where non-attached tissue is bordering the teeth, the “seal” of the gum tissue is lost. Food debris enters, sets up inflammation and infection, and causes loss of the thin plate of bone underneath. The “long in the tooth ” appearance results as the gum recedes. If enough of the bone is resorbed the tooth will be lost.

A critical note: When bone is lost around a tooth due to recession, its lost forever. Currently there are no techniques for replacing a plate of lost bone. This is why early interception of a receding gum is important.

When there is only minor recession, and some healthy attached gum remains, no treatment other than modifying home care practice, i.e., a soft tooth brush used carefully with light pressure, is necessary. However, when recession reaches the non-attached tissue, the first line of defense against bacterial penetration is lost.  A graft is necessary to stabilize the gum level and prevent loss of the underlying bone.

In addition, gum recession often results in root sensitivity to hot and cold foods as well as an unsightly appearance of the gum and tooth. Exposed root surfaces are softer than enamel and much more prone to root decay and gouging.

Perioderm Tissue Grafting

Background

1   PerioDerm® is a dental soft-tissue grafting material used primarily in periodontal and implant surgery as an alternative to harvesting a patient’s own palatal connective tissue.

What PerioDerm® is

• Type: Acellular dermal matrix (ADM)
• Source: Human donor skin (allograft)
• Processing: Cells are removed, leaving a collagen-rich scaffold
• Purpose: Clinical oral grafting reestablishes the zone of attached gingiva, ie the gum tissue that is attached to bone d Allows revascularization, i.e., the process of the patient’s own cells and blood vessels infiltrating and integrating the graft.

2   As an international product manufactured and distributed by Dentsply Sirona (Symbios® Allograft)

the largest and most respected dental research and supply company, its supported by decades of research, hundreds of peer-reviewed publications, and multiple randomized controlled trials. Tissue recovery and processing is supplied by MTF Biologics, one of the most heavily regulated and researched tissue banks globally

3   PerioDerm® is subject to

FDA HCT/P regulations

Extensive donor screening

Sterility and biocompatibility testing

Mechanical and handling validation

This is not a “new” or experimental material, but a refinement of a mature technology.

4. Periderm® and equivalent ADMs have been:

Used by periodontists, oral surgeons, and implant specialists worldwide

Taught in postgraduate periodontal and implant programs

Included in textbooks, consensus reports, and continuing education

Widespread, long-term adoption is itself a strong indicator of clinical reliability.

Bottom line

✅ 30+ years of biologic research

✅ 20+ years of dental clinical data

✅ Hundreds of studies across ADM materials

❌ Not experimental

❌ Not a lightly tested product