CHICAGO – Patients worried about their postoperative healing times for oral surgery procedures may now find a unique form of relief. A new study in the October issue of the Journal of Periodontology (JOP) found that an adhesive made from an enzyme found in snake venom was a more effective and beneficial adhesive when used to close surgical incisions than traditional sutures.| Take Action |
Four simple tips for staying on track with your oral health:
Brush and floss your teeth daily.
Visit the dentist twice each year.
Remember that all foods stimulate bacterial growth in the mouth. The sooner you can brush after eating, the better.
Be especially vigilant with oral care when consuming candies, cookies, and other sugary foods. |
The study followed 15 patients during the healing process after a gingival (gum) graft. When the adhesive derived from snake venom was used, those patients had faster recovery and better results than those treated with traditional sutures. “This unique type of adhesive may stimulate faster tissue repair. It is a more natural form of adhesive in comparison to traditional sutures used after surgery,” explained study author Monica Barbosa, Phd, Bauru Dental School at the University of Sao Paulo, “More studies are needed to fully evaluate the effectiveness of this alternative.”
“This adhesive may be a less infectious alternative to traditional sutures,” said Preston D. Miller, Jr., DDS, President of the American Academy of Periodontology, “This research highlights the array of therapies available for patients; both traditional and natural alternatives. There continues to be a lot of exciting and innovative research in the field of periodontics.”
The American Academy of Periodontology is an 8,000-member association of dental professionals specializing in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth and in the placement and maintenance of dental implants. Periodontics is one of nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Kerry Gutshall
The American Academy of Periodontology
Phone: (312) 573-3243
Fax: (312) 573-3234
http://www.perio.org
