Treatment of Exposed Bone With Acellular Dermal Matrix in a Smoker Patient After Dental Implant Surgery: a Case Report

Abstract

Acellular dermal matrix is a biocompatible material derived from human and animal connective tissue. This material is created by a chemical process in which all epidermal and dermal cells are removed but the bioactive dermal matrix is left intact. The bioactive dermal matrix has the capability to promote natural revascularization and cell repopulation and to undergo tissue remodeling as it contains elastin, collagen, bioactive proteins, and blood vessel channels. Recently, ADM materials have successfully been used as grafts in numerous surgical procedures to increase the size of the attached gingiva surrounding the teeth and implants, to fill in gingival recession defects to enhance root coverage, to manage soft-tissue ridge deformities, and to repair oronasal fistulae. The aim of this case report is to evaluate the use of the acellular dermal matrix in a 45-year-old patient with an area of exposed bone after the placement of a dental implant.