Why did I pick AlloDerm for my grafts?

But, ewww...

As you can read in my overview of different types of gum grafting, AlloDerm comes from cadaver tissue - donated human skin.  

What?  Ewwww....

Indeed.

Before the AlloDerm gets anywhere near your face, it is processed to remove all of the cells, meaning that it is an acellular tissue matrix (it still has all of the important structural components that allow your own cells to integrate it into your body).

Why on earth...

Based on all the reading I did (and believe me, it was a lot), I came to the conclusion that AlloDerm was right for me, and there were a few major things that swung the balance:

1.  No second surgical site. This was the main reason for me - no need to take tissue from your palette.  In all the horror stories I read online, it seemed that the palette wound caused most of the issues, and so I was keen to avoid this!
2. No limit to the number of teeth that can be treated. I needed quite a few done, and while it is possible to come in for multiple bouts, I'd need to have a soft food diet, time off work, and a face full of stitches multiple times. The convenience was therefore much greater.

I also asked my periodontist, and she agreed that AlloDerm was a good choice in my particular case - but I do realise that it won't be for everyone!  

Personally, if I had fewer teeth to treat, I would probably have opted for connective tissue graft since the results appear to be the most predictable - especially in the longer term. However, I've also read studies that show AlloDerm performs just as well as connective tissue.  

If it eases your mind at all, AlloDerm is used in various other procedures - breast reconstruction, grafts for burn patients and hernia repair to name a few. 

Choosing a competent surgeon with experience of using AlloDerm is an absolute must

If you go for AlloDerm, choose someone with a lot of experience and a good track record. The process is very delicate - the AlloDerm must be covered by your existing gum tissue (which is stretched to fit), otherwise it will break down. With connective tissue, there's more room for error.  

I also found it harder to locate a good surgeon in my area who could use AlloDerm - most stick to the traditional connective tissue grafts, which are indeed highly predictable and tend to give good results.

What to do? 

I haven't had other types of gum grafting, so I really can't compare - you should absolutely do your research, talk with your surgeon and come to your own conclusion.  Sometimes people are suitable for one type of surgery but not others. Also note that not all surgeons offer all the newer options like AlloDerm and pinhole, so be sure to shop around. 

A lot also depends on you, the patient. If you go for AlloDerm you absolutely have to be meticulous about following the post-op instructions, keeping to a soft diet and keeping up your oral hygiene. 

Has anyone else chosen AlloDerm? What were the pros and cons for you? Leave a comment down below :)