Use of amnion as a graft material in vestibuloplasty: a clinical study

Introduction to Amniotic Membranes in Maxillofacial Surgery-A Scoping Review

Background: Amniotic membrane (AM) holds significant promise in various medical fields due to its unique properties and minimal ethical concerns. This study aims to explore the diverse applications of the human amniotic membrane (HAM) in maxillofacial surgery. Methodology: A comprehensive search was conducted on databases, namely Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus, from January 1985 to March 2024. Articles in English, Polish, and Spanish were included, focusing on keywords related to amniotic membrane and oral surgery. Results: Various preservation methods for HAM were identified, namely fresh, decellularized, cryopreserved, lyophilized, and air-dried formats. Clinical studies demonstrated the efficacy of HAM in repairing oral mucosal defects, vestibuloplasty, oronasal fistula closure, cleft palate treatment, bone defect repair, and medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). Surgeon evaluations highlighted the ease of handling but noted challenges in suturing and stability during application. Conclusions: Amniotic membranes offer a versatile and effective option in maxillofacial surgery, promoting wound healing, reducing inflammation, and providing a scaffold for tissue regeneration. Further research, including randomized trials and comparative studies, is warranted to validate the efficacy and optimize the utilization of HAM in clinical practice.

Comparison of the Efficacy of Amniotic Membrane Versus Buccal Fat Pad in Treatment of Oral Submucous Fibrosis

Background

Oral and maxillofacial surgery deals with wide range of oral defects, wound closure, tissue resection, and tissue reconstruction. The purpose of our study is to use amniotic membrane for closure of post surgery defect in patient of oral submucous fibrosis to utilize its growth factor and scaffold nature for effective healing and to evaluate effectiveness of amniotic membrane in treatment outcome. The objectives are to compare post-operative mouth opening, healing of amniotic membrane and buccal fat pad.

Material and Method

Diagnosed patients with OSMF are divided into two surgical site Group I (n = 5patients)-Left side buccal mucosa in which resection of fibrous band with coronoidectomy followed by reconstruction of the mucosal defect with BFP. Group II-Right side buccal mucosa in which resection of fibrous band with coronoidectomy followed by reconstruction of the mucosal defect with freeze dried irradiated amniotic membrane.

Result

This study suggested that in comparison to buccal fat pad flap, the HAM graft is a better option for oral reconstruction in terms of infection, graft failure, MMO, inflammation, pain. Outcome indicated that the HAM is biologically ideal graft for oral wounds and could be used as clinical alternative for various repair surgery for oral defects.

Conclusion

The amniotic membrane was found easy to handle and easy to use with inherent hemostatic property which is observed in all patients. No patients had shown any evidence of any complications. Good pain control observed in patients throughout postoperative period.

Human amniotic membrane as therapeutic agent in pulpotomy of permanent molars

A 22-year-old woman reported with a cariously exposed mandibular molar. Pulpotomy was planned rather than routine root canal treatment, which was otherwise indicated. Amniotic membrane (AM) that has been extensively researched in different fields of medicine was used as the pulpotomy agent. After gaining coronal access to the root orifices, bleeding was arrested and activated AM was placed over the root stumps. Glass ionomer cement(GIC) was placed over the membrane and temporary restoration was done. One week later, permanent restoration with composite resin was done. The patient's symptoms resolved, and the tooth started responding normally to vitality tests at subsequent follow-ups. The present case report is an attempt to use human AM as a natural pulpotomy agent for treating irreversible pulpitis in permanent teeth. Understanding of innumerable beneficial properties of the AM and its application in preserving vitality of permanent teeth is the main learning objective.

Comparison of Vestibular Depth Relapse and Wound Healing After Reconstructive Preprosthetic Surgery Using Cryopreserved Amniotic Membrane and Acellular Dermal Matrix - A Comparative Study

Introduction:

The significance of membranes as wound dressing in oral surgeries has been reported by previous studies. The aim of the present split-mouth randomized clinical study was to assess and compare the wound dressing properties of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) and cryopreserved human amniotic membrane (AM) after reconstructive preprosthetic oral surgery.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty-eight patients with complete mandibular edentulism and resorbed alveolar bone were included. After taking mandibular impression, a clear acrylic splint with increased labial flange height was created. In each participant, labial vestibular depth was elevated using the Clark's technique. Subsequently, half of the exposed periosteum was covered with ADM while the other half was covered with cryopreserved human AM. Vestibule depth and relapse in the two sides were measured immediately after vestibuloplasty and at the end of the 1^st week, 2^nd week, 1^st month, and 3^rd months with graduations of 0.1 mm. Furthermore, after 3 and 7 days, samples were collected from graft material, and the macrophage population was analyzed by flow cytometry.

Results:

There was no significant difference in the relapse of vestibule depth between the two grafts at different time intervals. However, the frequency of wound-infiltrating macrophages (CD68⁺ cells) was significantly higher in areas covered by ADM after 3 and 7 days.

Discussion:

ADM is as effective as cryopreserved AM in terms of maintaining the postoperative vestibular depth. On the other hand, our results suggested that the onset of healing phase in ADM-covered areas occurs faster compared to the periosteum covered with cryopreserved human AM. This clinical trial showed significantly faster postoperative healing onset when ADM was used than when cryopreserved human AM was applied on the periosteum.

Comparative evaluation of the efficacy of wound healing with and without dehydrated human amniotic/chorionic membrane in alveoloplasty: a pilot study

Objectives

Wound healing is an integral part of any surgical procedure. Appropriate wound closure is critical to any successful surgical procedure, especially intraoral procedures. Various factors aid in wound healing, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological. Dehydrated human amniotic/chorionic membrane (dHACM) is an emerging bioinert material that contains anti-inflammatory properties, angiogenetic properties, osteogenic potential, and various growth factors. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of wound healing properties of dHACM in bilateral alveoloplasty patients.

Materials and Methods

A prospective split-mouth study was conducted on 10 patients. Site A received sutures with dHACM and site B was sutured without dHACM. Wound healing was assessed with the Landry, Turnbull, and Howley Index.

Results

Sites A and site B were compared. A P<0.05 and a test value of 22 was obtained, indicating a statistical difference between the two sites.

Conclusion

Our study showed better healing with dHACM than without.

Surgical Application of Human Amniotic Membrane and Amnion-Chorion Membrane in the Oral Cavity and Efficacy Evaluation: Corollary With Ophthalmological and Wound Healing Experiences

Due to its intrinsic properties, there has been growing interest in human amniotic membrane (hAM) in recent years particularly for the treatment of ocular surface disorders and for wound healing. Herein, we investigate the potential use of hAM and amnion-chorion membrane (ACM) in oral surgery. Based on our analysis of the literature, it appears that their applications are very poorly defined. There are two options: implantation or use as a cover material graft. The oral cavity is submitted to various mechanical and biological stimulations that impair membrane stability and maintenance. Thus, some devices have been combined with the graft to secure its positioning and protect it in this location. This current opinion paper addresses in detail suitable procedures for hAM and ACM utilization in soft and hard tissue reconstruction in the oral cavity. We address their implantation and/or use as a covering, storage format, application side, size and number, multilayer use or folding, suture or use of additional protective covers, re-application and resorption/fate. We gathered evidence on pre- and post-surgical care and evaluation tools. Finally, we integrated ophthalmological and wound healing practices into the collected information. This review aims to help practitioners and researchers better understand the application of hAM and ACM in the oral cavity, a place less easily accessible than ocular or cutaneous surfaces. Additionally, it could be a useful reference in the generation of new ideas for the development of innovative protective covering, suturing or handling devices in this specific indication. Finally, this overview could be considered as a position paper to guide investigators to fulfill all the identified criteria in the future.

Comparative preclinical assessment of the use of dehydrated human amnion/chorion membrane to repair perforated sinus membranes

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of dehydrated human amnion/chorion membrane (dHACM) to repair perforated sinus membranes in rabbits.

Methods

Bilateral surgical windows (7.5-mm diameter) were prepared on the nasal bones of 14 rabbits. Standardized circular perforations (5-mm diameter) were made in the sinus membrane by manipulating implant twist drills. The perforated sinus membranes were repaired using dHACM or a resorbable collagen membrane (CM). The negative control (NC) group did not undergo perforated sinus membrane repair, while the positive control (PC) group underwent sinus augmentation without perforations. The same amount of deproteinized porcine bone mineral was grafted in all 4 groups. After 6 weeks, micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and histomorphometric evaluations were conducted.

Results

The micro-CT analysis revealed that the total augmented volume was not significantly different among the groups. In the dHACM group, newly formed bone filled the augmented area with remaining biomaterials; however, non-ciliated flat epithelium and inflammatory cells were observed on the healed sinus membrane. Histometric analysis showed that the percentage of newly formed bone area in the dHACM group did not differ significantly from that in the CM group. The dHACM group showed a significantly higher percentage of newly formed bone area than the NC group, but there was no significant difference between the dHACM and PC groups.

Conclusions

dHACM could be a feasible solution for repairing sinus membrane perforations that occur during sinus floor augmentation.

Revascularization of a Nonvital, Immature Permanent Tooth Using Amniotic Membrane: A Novel Approach

Aim

To evaluate the clinical and radiological results of a revascularization treatment done in a nonvital, immature permanent tooth using the amniotic membrane.

Case description

A 12-year-old boy reported with a complaint of pain in the lower left back tooth since 1 month due to dental caries. On clinical examination, the mandibular left second premolar was tender on percussion and discolored due to dental caries. Radiographic examination of the same tooth revealed open apex, thin root dentinal walls, and periodontal ligament widening. An access opening was prepared, necrotic pulp extirpated completely followed by thorough irrigation. After drying the canal, closed dressing with the 3-mix antibacterial paste was given for 15 days. After 15 days, the paste was removed and the amniotic membrane was placed inside the canal extending 1 mm beyond the apex and mineral tri-oxide aggregate was placed over this followed by sealing of the cavity. The patient was followed up at 1, 3, and 6 months for clinical and radiographic evaluation.

Conclusion

After 6 months, clinically the tooth found asymptomatic. Radiographic examination showed continued root elongation, closure in the periapical opening, thick root dentinal walls with narrowing of the canal space, and normal periradicular architecture.

Clinical significance

Amniotic membrane can be used as a scaffold for revascularization in nonvital immature teeth.

How to cite this article

NB Nagaveni, P Poornima, et al. Revascularization of a Nonvital, Immature Permanent Tooth Using Amniotic Membrane: A Novel Approach. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2019;12(2):150–152.

Human Amniotic Membrane Positioning in the Surgical Treatment of Temporomandibular Joint Degenerative Disorder

Background

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthritis is a degenerative pathology that may cause pain and dysfunction. Nonsurgical therapy is the traditional treatment of TMJ diseases but if ineffective, TMJ surgery can be performed and may include arthroplasty with interposition of autograft. The encouraging results reported with the use of human amniotic membrane (HAM) in different surgical fields have highlighted its potential, but approaches providing the positioning of HAM within the intra-articular space of arthritic TMJs have never been investigated.

Case Presentation

A 48-year-old woman was presented with limited mouth opening and pain with palpation at the left joint. A severe TMJ degeneration was diagnosed, and a surgical treatment was necessary. In the present case report, the authors describe the application of a cryopreserved HAM patch within the joint space as a disc-replacing film during major surgeries for discectomy and arthroplasty. Three months after the intervention, the patient reported an overall improvement in chewing efficiency as well as the absence of pain.

Conclusions

According to the regenerative effects of HAM, the design of trials on the topic should be encouraged for its possible inclusion within the field of TMJ disease practice.

What is the benefit of using amniotic membrane in oral surgery? A comprehensive review of clinical studies

OBJECTIVES

Since its first use for the reconstruction of tissue defects in the oral cavity in 1985, human amniotic membrane (hAM) has been widely studied in the field of oral surgery. Despite the growing number of publications in this field, there is no systematic review or meta-analysis concerning its clinical applications, outcome assessments, and relevance in oral surgery. The aim of this review is to provide a thorough understanding of the potential use of hAM for soft and hard tissue reconstruction in the oral cavity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic electronic and a manual literature search of the MEDLINE-PubMed database and Scopus database was completed. Patient, Intervention, Comparison and Outcomes (PICO) technique was used to select the relevant articles to meet the objective. Studies using hAM for oral reconstruction, and conducted on human subjects, were included in this survey.

RESULTS

A total of 17 articles were analyzed. Five areas of interest were identified as potential clinical application: periodontal surgery, cleft palate and tumor reconstruction, prosthodontics and peri-implant surgery. Overall, periodontal surgery was the only discipline to assess the efficacy of hAM with randomized clinical trials. The wide variability of preservation methods of hAM and the lack of objective measurements were observed in this study.

CONCLUSION

hAM is already used in the field of oral surgery. Despite this, there is weak clinical evidence demonstrating convincingly the benefit of hAM in this area compared to standard surgery.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Several studies now suggest the interest of hAM for periodontal tissue repair. Due to its biological and mechanical properties, hAM seems to be a promising treatment for wound healing in various areas of oral reconstruction. However, further randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm these preliminary results.

Comparative Evaluation of Coronally Advanced Flap Using Amniotic Membrane and Platelet-rich Fibrin Membrane in Gingival Recession: An 18-Month Clinical Study

Background:

An amnion membrane is a placenta-derived tissue that consists of numerous growth factors, proteins, and stem cell reserves which help in accelerated wound healing and regeneration. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) also releases growth factors after activation from the platelets and gets trapped within fibrin matrix which has been shown to stimulate the mitogenic response in the periosteum for bone repair and regeneration during normal wound healing. This preliminary, controlled, randomized clinical trial with an 18-month follow-up was aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of coronally advanced flap (CAF) with either PRF membrane or bioresorbable amniotic membrane (AM) in treatment of localized gingival recession defects.

Materials and Methods:

Sixteen healthy adult patients presenting with Miller Class I recession defects were treated surgically with CAF along with AM (Group I) or PRF (Group II) for coverage of the recession defects. For all patients, plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing, clinical attachment level, depth of recession, width of recession, width of attached gingiva, and gingival thickness were evaluated at 6 months and 18 months postoperatively. Statistical analysis was done using paired t-test, repeated measure analysis of variance test, Bonferroni test for intragroup comparison and unpaired t-test for intergroup comparison.

Results:

The results showed statistically nonsignificant (P < 0.01) difference in all clinical parameters at the 6- and 18-month follow-ups in both groups. Gingival recession in both PRF and amnion group when evaluated individually, significantly reduced from baseline to 6 months (P = 0.000) and from baseline to 18 months (P = 0.000). However, the mean value from 6 months to 18 months was statistically nonsignificant.

Conclusion:

The present study demonstrated that both CAF + PRF and CAF + AM are equally effective in providing clinically significant outcomes with respect to root coverage with AM showing the better percentage of root coverage as compared to PRF.

Amnion and Chorion Membranes: Potential Stem Cell Reservoir with Wide Applications in Periodontics

The periodontal therapy usually aims at elimination of disease causing bacteria and resolution of inflammation. It involves either resective or regenerative surgery to resolve the inflammation associated defects. Over the years, several methods have been used for achievement of periodontal regeneration. One of the oldest biomaterials used for scaffolds is the fetal membrane. The amniotic membranes of developing embryo, that is, amnion (innermost lining) and chorion (a layer next to it), have the properties with significant potential uses in dentistry. This paper reviews the properties, mechanism of action, and various applications of these placental membranes in general and specifically in Periodontics.

A noble method of using intravenous infusion set as a stent in localized lower posterior vestibuloplasty: A technical note

Vestibuloplasty is the procedure for shallow vestibule, prior to the prosthesis. Usually, vestibuloplasty is carried out in patients with completely edentulous arches. There are multiple techniques of vestibuloplasty described in the review of literature. However, it has not been emphasized on isolated shallow vestibule. This article describes our experience in the isolated or localized vestibuloplasty for a partially edentulous individual with a shallow vestibule pertaining to a single missing tooth.

Use of hyperdry amniotic membrane in operations for cleft palate: a study in rats

The growth of maxillary bone and the development of dentition are often impaired in patients who have had pushback operations for repair of a cleft palate. There has been considerable discussion about the most suitable technique or material used in such repairs to resolve the problem. Hyperdry amniotic membrane, a new preservable material derived from human amnion, has recently been introduced in several procedures. We have evaluated its use during pushback surgery in animal studies to try to correct the inhibition of growth and development of the maxilla. Mucosal defects were created in 3-week-old rats, and then covered with hyperdry amniotic membrane or not. Healing was assessed by histological and morphological examination at 1 week and 7 weeks postoperatively. In the group treated with hyperdry amniotic membrane, submucosal tissue was reconstructed successfully during the early postoperative period. Lateral palatal growth was not inhibited as much, and medial inclination of the teeth was less, after a period of growth using this material. The results suggest that hyperdry amniotic membrane is a suitable new dressing material for use in the treatment of cleft palate.

Amniotic membrane as a biological dressing for 5-fluoruracil-induced oral mucositis in rats

Oral mucositis is a reaction to chemoradiation therapy during cancer treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of amniotic membrane as a biological dressing for oral mucositis lesions in rats. Sixty Wistar rats were divided into three groups (n = 20): control, 5-fluoruracil (5-FU), 5-fluoruracil + amniotic membrane (5-FU+AM). Each group was subdivided (n = 5) according to the time interval to sacrifice (3, 7, 14, and 21 days). Histology (haematoxylin-eosin staining) and immunocytochemistry (anti-rat antibodies CD4, CD8, VEGF, and PCNA) were evaluated. Immunocytochemistry results were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey tests. The amniotic membrane (5FU+AM) played an important role in cell proliferation (PCNA 3 days 27.08 ± 4.65, 7 days 27.90 ± 3.34) and especially in neovascularization (VEGF 3 days 23.00 ± 1.40, 7 days 26.00 ± 0.95) for all time intervals, when compared to 5-FU (PCNA 3 days 23.12 ± 1.61, 7 days 37.21 ± 1.20; VEGF 3 days 17.05 ± 1.51, 7 days 8.45 ± 1.35) and control (PCNA 3 days 29.99 ± 0.92, 7 days 16.33 ± 2.88; VEGF 3 days 13.65 ± 0.55, 7 days 15.70 ± 1.39). It was biocompatible, showing significant differences compared to the other groups in CD4 (F = 40.72; P = 0.001) and CD8 (F = 69.99, P = 0.001) staining together, only during the inflammation phase (7 days). Amniotic membrane presented biocompatibility and stimulated cell proliferation and neovascularization, functioning as a promising biological dressing.

The clinical applications of human amnion in plastic surgery

Since the early 1900s, human amnion has been applied to a wide variety of clinical scenarios including burns, chronic ulcers, dural defects, intra-abdominal adhesions, peritoneal reconstruction, genital reconstruction, hip arthroplasty, tendon repair, nerve repair, microvascular reconstruction, corneal repair, intra-oral reconstruction and reconstruction of the nasal lining and tympanic membrane. Amnion epithelial and mesenchymal cells have been shown to contain a variety of regulatory mediators that result in the promotion of cellular proliferation, differentiation and epithelialisation and the inhibition of fibrosis, immune rejection, inflammation and bacterial invasion. The full repertoire of biological factors that these cells synthesise, store and release and the mechanisms by which these factors exert their beneficial effects are only now being fully appreciated. Although many commercially available biological and synthetic alternatives to amnion exist, ethical, religious, and financial constraints may limit the widespread utilisation of these products. Amnion is widely available, economical and is easy to manipulate, process and store. Although many clinical applications are of historical interest only, amnion offers an alternative source of multi-potent or pluripotent stem cells and therefore may yet have a great deal to offer the plastic surgery and regenerative medicine community. It is the purpose of this article to review the clinical applications of human amnion relevant to plastic surgery.

Bilateral multiple recession coverage with platelet-rich fibrin in comparison with amniotic membrane

Various plastic procedures are done to enhance esthetics, relieve hypersensitivity or even prevent root caries. The most predictable plastic procedure is the coronally advanced flap procedure, with subepithelial connective tissue. Owing to the second surgical donor site and difficulty in procuring a sufficient graft in multiple recessions, various alternative additive membranes are used. This is a case report, the first of its kind, wherein a bilaterally occurring multiple Millers class I recession was managed by using Platelet-rich Fibrin (PrF) and amniotic membrane, in a 40-year-old male, who presented to the Department of Periodontics. He complained of hypersensitivity in relation to the upper right and left back region, a bilateral Millers class I recession in relation to 15, 16, and 25, 26 of 3 mm each. Both the recessions were planned for root coverage with coronally advanced flap and additive membrane. The sites were randomly assigned for the use of platelet-rich fibrin and an aminotic membrane. The clinical outcome of the surgical procedure accounted for 100% root coverage, an enhanced gingival biotype, with both the membranes. Furthermore, the results were stable even after seven months in the amniotic membrane-treated site. Hence, the use of amniotic membrane as a novel approach to root coverage is more advantageous than PrF owing to the laboratory preparation of the autologous biomaterial.

A review of oral surgery-related papers published in the British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery during 2011 and 2012

This paper is a synopsis of all articles relating to oral surgery that were published in the British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (BJOMS) between January 2011 and December 2012. Of the 57 published, 40 (70%) were full-length articles that predominantly focused on implantology, dentoalveolar surgery, and bisphosphonate osteonecrosis of the jaws (BONJs). In addition, a number of short communications, technical notes, and letters to the editor described rare cases, unusual complications, and novel surgical techniques.

Amniotic membrane in oral and maxillofacial surgery

PURPOSE

Following its renaissance in ophthalmology during the 1990s, preserved human amniotic membrane (HAM) has become an attractive biomaterial for all surgical disciplines. This article reviews the current and potential use of HAM in oral and maxillofacial surgery, its postulated properties and common preservation techniques.

METHODS

Literature was identified by an electronic search of PubMed in July 2012; this was supplemented from the reference lists of the consulted papers.

RESULTS

HAM has been used in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery from 1969 onwards because of its immunological preference and its pain-reducing, antimicrobial, mechanical and side-dependent adhesive or anti-adhesive properties. The effects of HAM on dermal and mucosal re-epithelialisation have been highlighted. Typically, HAM is applied after being banked in a glycerol-preserved, DMSO-preserved or freeze-dried and irradiated state. Whereas the use of HAM in flap surgery and in intra-oral and extra-oral lining is reported frequently, novel HAM applications in post-traumatic orbital surgery and temporomandibular joint surgery have been added since 2010. Tissue engineering with HAM is a fast-expanding field with a high variety of future options.

CONCLUSIONS

Preserved HAM is considered to be a safe and sufficient biomaterial in all fields of oral and maxillofacial wound healing. Recently published novel indications for HAM application lack a high level of evidence and need to be studied further.

Intraoral application of hyperdry amniotic membrane to surgically exposed bone surface

Hyperdry amniotic membrane, a novel preservable material derived from the human amnion, has been introduced clinically in ophthalmology and other fields. This membrane is available as a wound dressing material for surgical wounds of the tongue and buccal mucosa but has not been used on wounds of the alveolar mucosa. This paper reports 2 cases in which intraoral alveolar wounds with bone exposure were successfully treated with the use of hyperdry amniotic membrane: a 74-year-old woman with gingival leukoplakia of the edentulous mandible, and a 43-year-old man who underwent vestibuloplasty of the reconstructed mandible. The results indicate that the hyperdry amniotic membrane is a useful dressing material, not only for soft tissue wounds, but also for exposed bone in the oral cavity.