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Cryopreserved Amniotic Membrane for Modulation of Oral Soft Tissue Healing

Grant Winners

  • Ines Velez, D.D.S. – College of Dental Medicine
  • William Parker, D.D.S. – College of Dental Medicine
  • Michael Siegel, D.D.S. – College of Dental Medicine
  • Mitzi Palazzolo, D.D.S., M.S. – College of Dental Medicine

Dean

  • Robert Uchin, D.D.S. – College of Dental Medicine

Abstract

Award Winners

This prospective randomized pilot study will determine the usefulness of an Amniotic membrane (AM) (Bio-Tissue, Inc., Miami, Florida) in periodontal surgery. Amniotic membrane constitutes an immunologically compatible surgical patch which is currently being used in ocular surface reconstruction. In ophthalmology it had been used as a graft to replace damaged tissue, as a biological dressing, or as combination of both. It promotes ocular surface wound healing and is for the treatment of certain conjunctival and corneal lesions. A cryopreservation methodology has been developed in order to preserve the biologic properties that this tissue exhibits in utero. Several lymphokines contribute to the amniotic membrane's biological actions. Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β), Transforming Growth Factor-α (TGF-α), Keratinocyte Growth Factor (KGF), Neural Growth Factor (NGF), and Collagens I, II, III, IV. Numerous mechanisms of action and clinical effects of this tissue have been observed. It has been shown to reduce acute inflammatory response in scalpel or laser. AM is an excellent tissue for reconstructive surgery, because it has healing properties, is commercially available, ethically acceptable, easy to use and easily stored without loss of properties. Cryopreserved amniotic membrane (CAM) will be placed in the area of periodontal surgical wounds related to periodontal regenerative therapy or implant placement. The extent of healing based against self-control (two sites in the same patient, one serving as a control site) will be specifically evaluated for lesion size (mm) in greatest diameter, degree of epithelialization, pain, infection, presence of inflammation and scarring. Clinical evaluation will occur at baseline, 72 hours (3 days), 144 hours (6 days), 2 weeks, 1 month (4 weeks), 1.5 months (6 weeks) and 3 months (12 weeks). The results will be compared with conventionally managed similar lesions, treated the same day in the same patient, as above.

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