However, recent research may have dispensed with the need for such surgery. Researchers in Germany and Switzerland have trialled the use of bovine collagen (extracted from the fluid filled sac that surrounds the bovine heart) in humans, to repair the gums of fourteen patients. The collagen was implanted next to the tooth, held in place with surgical thread and left in place to allow the bodies own cells to repair the damage (Figure 1, below).
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| Figure 1: Showing (A) teeth before treatment, note the multiple recessions above the teeth, (B) shows the incisions created in the gum for (C) the insertion of the collagen and finally (D) demonstrates the healed dentition at six months after intervention. (After Schlee et al. Head & Face Medicine 2012 8:6) |
The results have been promising, with the functional and aesthetic appearance of the gum-line improving in many of the patients after a period of six months - in 36 of the 62 recession lesions treated for example, full root coverage was achieved.
So, as odd as it might sound, cow collagen may be the answer to gum recession for people who are unable to have corrective periodontal surgery, if longer term studies prove its staying power. Which is very moo-ving, I think you'll agree.
(Sorry about that. It's the only cow based pun I could come up with.)
References:
Schlee et al. Bovine pericardium based non-cross linked collagen matrix for successful root coverage, a clinical study in humans in Head & Face Medicine 2012 8:6 doi:10.1186/1746-160X-8-6.
Available at: http://www.head-face-med.com/content/8/1/6
Cow collagen heals gums. Available at http://www.nature.com/bdj/journal/v212/n6/full/sj.bdj.2012.238.html.
