What is AlloDerm?

AlloDerm is a processed human tissue graft used as an alternative to taking tissue from the roof of your mouth during gum grafting. It is technically an acellular dermal matrix, meaning donor skin tissue that has been processed to remove all cells while preserving the underlying collagen scaffold. Your own cells populate the graft over 3 to 6 months, essentially converting it into your own tissue.

Why AlloDerm Was Developed

Traditional gum grafting takes a strip of tissue from the palate (the roof of your mouth) and moves it to the gum recession site. This works well but creates a second surgical site on the palate, which is often the most uncomfortable part of recovery. AlloDerm allows the same outcome without harvesting from the palate.

How AlloDerm Works

The graft is placed in the recession site under a small gum flap. Because it has no living cells, there is no immune reaction. Your body's own cells (fibroblasts, blood vessels) migrate into the scaffold over the following weeks and months. By 3 to 6 months post-op, the AlloDerm has been fully populated with your own tissue and blends with your surrounding gum.

Advantages Over Palate Harvest

• No second surgical site (no palate wound)
• Faster and more comfortable recovery
• Can cover larger areas (multiple recession sites in one session)
• Consistent tissue thickness (not limited by your own palate anatomy)

Tradeoffs to Know

AlloDerm is not always the right choice:

• Cost is higher (adds several hundred dollars per site vs autograft)
• In cases needing significant tissue thickness, your own palate tissue may work better
• Some patients prefer their own tissue for personal or philosophical reasons

Your periodontist will discuss which option fits your specific case. See our alternatives to gum grafting page for a full overview of options including the Pinhole Surgical Technique.

Is AlloDerm Safe?

Yes. AlloDerm has been used clinically since 1994 across dental, plastic surgery, and reconstructive applications. Donor tissue is rigorously screened and processed to remove cells, DNA, and any pathogens. There has never been a documented case of disease transmission from AlloDerm in over 30 years of clinical use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is AlloDerm made from cadaver skin?

The source tissue is donated human skin, yes. It is processed to remove all cells and become an acellular collagen scaffold. Your body populates it with your own cells.

Does AlloDerm work as well as tissue from my own mouth?

For most gum recession cases, yes. Long-term studies show comparable success rates for coverage and stability. For very thick tissue augmentation, your own palate tissue may still be preferred.

How much does AlloDerm add to gum grafting cost?

Typically $300 to $700 per site above autograft cost. See our gum grafting cost page for detailed pricing.

Consult in DC, Alexandria, or Reston

Request a consult at our Washington DC, Alexandria, or Reston office. We will assess your recession, discuss whether AlloDerm or your own tissue is the right approach, and give you a written quote.