What it is
Oral surgery and dental care include the procedures that dentists, periodontists and oral and maxillofacial surgeons perform on the mouth, gums, teeth and jaw. Common reasons people seek this care include tooth extractions, gum recession, gum disease, and healing after dental procedures.
Periodontal care focuses on the gums and the bone that support the teeth. Periodontal procedures may include deep cleanings, gum grafting and other surgical approaches, depending on what a licensed provider finds during an evaluation.
Amniotic membrane is a thin tissue from the placenta that is processed and used as a biological covering. Its established medical uses are as a wound covering and on the surface of the eye. Some dental and oral surgery providers also use processed amniotic membrane products as a covering in the mouth. Many of these products are regulated as human tissue products, and their regulatory status can vary by product and by intended use. Ask your provider about the specific product's FDA status. Processed amniotic products generally do not contain living stem cells, and they are not a stem-cell treatment.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Gum recession has traditionally been addressed with grafting, in which a clinician places tissue, often taken from the roof of the mouth or from a donor source, to cover exposed areas. Periodontal disease has traditionally been managed with professional cleanings, improved home care and, in some cases, surgery.
After an extraction, the traditional approach centers on protecting the site while it heals. Clinicians commonly give guidance on eating, cleaning and activity, and they sometimes place materials in the socket to help preserve its shape. What is appropriate depends on the person and the situation.
Some clinicians now use amniotic membrane as one more option for covering a surgical site. Others prefer long-standing approaches. Both views are common, and a conversation with a licensed provider can help you understand the options, risks and alternatives for your situation.
How the right doctor may help
The right provider may help you understand what is going on in your mouth and which options exist. A first visit generally includes a conversation about your history and concerns, an examination, and often dental imaging. The provider may then explain what they see and what choices are available.
It can help to bring questions. You might ask: What is the goal of this procedure? What are the alternatives, including waiting? Which materials would be used, and where does the tissue come from? Is the product FDA-approved or cleared for this use, and what does that mean? What are the risks, and how long is recovery likely to take?
Before you agree to treatment, ask about the total cost, including follow-up visits, and check with your insurance about what is covered. Only a licensed clinician can decide what is appropriate for you after an evaluation. Getting a second opinion is a normal and reasonable step.
The whole-person view
Mouth health is connected to the rest of the body and to how we feel. Stress, sleep, nutrition and habits such as teeth clenching or grinding can all affect the gums and teeth. Dental anxiety is also common, and it can lead people to put off care.
Body-based approaches, such as those offered through Somatic Experiences, may help some people feel more settled in their bodies before or after dental visits. Talk therapy through Therapists.plus may help those who feel anxious or fearful about procedures. These supports are complements to professional dental care, not replacements for it.
Somatic Experiences: nervous system regulation →Somatic Experiences: embodiment and movement →Therapists.plus: mind body connection →
Keep in mind
- Licensed dental and medical professionals should guide all oral surgery and periodontal care, and only they can decide what is appropriate for you.
- Injectable amniotic, umbilical cord and similar regenerative products are generally not FDA-approved for gum, bone or joint uses, and the FDA has warned the public about unapproved regenerative products. Ask about a product's regulatory status before treatment.
- No procedure or product comes with a guarantee of results, and processed amniotic products should not be described as regrowing tissue.
- Severe facial swelling, trouble breathing or swallowing, or heavy bleeding that will not stop is an emergency, so call 911. If you are in emotional crisis, call or text 988.
Doctors
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Frequently asked questions
What is amniotic membrane used for in oral surgery?
Amniotic membrane is sometimes used by oral surgery and dental providers as a biological covering over a surgical site in the mouth. Its established uses in medicine are as a wound covering and on the surface of the eye. Ask your provider how a specific product is regulated and why they would recommend it.
Is amniotic membrane FDA-approved for gum grafts?
It depends on the specific product and how it is marketed, so ask your provider directly. Many amniotic tissue products are regulated differently from drugs, and the FDA has warned about unapproved regenerative products. Ask for the product's FDA status, tissue source, risks and alternatives.
What is a gum graft?
A gum graft is a procedure in which a clinician places tissue to cover areas where the gum has pulled back from the tooth. The tissue may come from your own mouth or from a donor source. A periodontist or dentist can explain whether it might be considered in your case.
How long does extraction healing take?
Healing time varies from person to person and depends on the tooth, the procedure and your overall health. Your dentist or oral surgeon can describe what to expect and what aftercare they recommend. Contact them if pain, swelling or bleeding seems to be getting worse instead of better.
Do amniotic products contain stem cells?
Most processed amniotic products contain no living stem cells after processing. They should not be described as stem-cell treatments or as regrowing tissue. Ask your provider exactly what is in a product and where it comes from.
How do I choose an oral surgery or periodontal provider?
Look for a licensed dentist, periodontist or oral and maxillofacial surgeon who explains options clearly and answers your questions. You can use Providers.plus to find licensed providers. Ask about alternatives, the total cost and insurance coverage before treatment.
Educational resource. Amniotic Doctors shares general information and connects people with independent doctors. It is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk with a licensed professional about your health.