Use of Amniotic Membrane for Covering Large Oral Mucosal Defects during Socket Reconstruction Procedures

Background

The oral mucosal graft is often used for socket reconstruction [1], [2]. This procedure could be very painful during the postoperative period because of the exposure [3], [4]. A primary closure with direct sutures is sometimes impossible because of the size of the defect. Oral mucosal epithelium is a non-keratinized stratified squamous avascular epithelium that is supported by a dense collagenous layer of lamina propria [4]. An oral mucosal graft serving as a free graft for ocular surface reconstruction offers several advantages, such as easy tissue access and tissue harvesting, excellent tissue properties, adequate tissue availability, and complementary immunological properties, and it often resists contracture formation and integrates well to a moist ocular surface environment [5], [6]. These features make it a good alternative tissue source for ocular surface reconstruction.

However, the problem of restriction of the mouth opening and pain at the level of the buccal mucosa remains a very important challenge in the postoperative period [7]. In this article, we discuss the use of amniotic membranes to replace the mucosal defect in order to improve postoperative conditions, such as pain reduction and more rapid healing, for the patients.

• References

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