Gum Allograft vs. Autograft

When degenerated gum tissue leads to the exposure of root surfaces, gum grafting may need to be performed. Gum grafting surgery will reduce tooth sensitivity and restore damaged gum tissue.

In order to perform gum grafting surgery, grafting materials such autografts or allografts may be used. There are significant differences between the methods of gum restoration; however, these grafts essentially serve the same purpose.

A gum autograft surgery is performed with tissue that is transplanted from one site to another within the individual. This procedure is highly effective and promotes cell interaction and integration. However, the slight disadvantage of autograft surgery is tissue harvesting from a secondary site. This particular procedure will require proper healing of both sites in order to be deemed successful.

Patients may opt for gum allograft surgery where tissue is derived from a donor source. This source is typically acquired from tissue banks that extensively process and screen all donated tissue in order to avoid cross contamination of host diseases. All donors are pre-screened for any infectious diseases prior to being accepted into tissue banks. The process of healing with allograft is relatively efficient since there is no secondary surgical site.