mucoderm® is a native, monolayer collagen matrix with a homogeneous 3D structure that closely resembles natural connective tissue, such as a connective tissue graft. Unlike many other collagen matrices, mucoderm® consists of a single, compact yet porous layer, which supports cell and blood vessel ingrowth while maintaining mechanical and volume stability.
In addition, mucoderm® offers excellent handling properties, including high tear resistance and stable thickness in both dry and wet conditions. Its flexibility increases with hydration time, allowing clinicians to adapt the material easily during surgery.
mucoderm® is a xenogenic acellular matrix that offers a safe alternative to autologous soft tissue grafts (subepithelial connective tissue and free gingival graft) in dental soft tissue grafting procedures. mucoderm® is a natural matrix with an average thickness of 1.2 - 1.7 mm consisting of porcine collagen type I and III, which is not artificially cross-linked. It acts as a scaffold for soft tissue cells and blood vessels and has superior handling properties, such as tear resistance and volume stability.
mucoderm® is characterized by an open porous collagen structure that makes it an ideal scaffold for the ingrowth of blood vessels and cells and promotes fast tissue integration and revascularization.
Tissue integration and matrix degradation were analyzed in an animal study. After implantation in rats, mucoderm® showed extensive ingrowth of blood vessels after only two weeks as well as an inflammation-free healing with superficial cell invasion. In the following four to eight weeks, a continuous degradation with increasing homogeneous cell distribution was observed. After eight weeks, 20% of the original matrix volume were still present as scaffold for the formation and reorganization of the connective tissue. Twelve weeks after implantation in rats, mucoderm® was almost completely replaced by newly formed connective tissue.
Animal data and human histological findings suggest that mucoderm® can be completely remodeled within six to nine months.
*Biodegradation pattern and tissue integration of native and cross-linked porcine collagen soft tissue augmentation matrices – an experimental study in the rat. Rothamel D, Benner M, Fienitz T, Happe A, Kreppel M, Nickenig JH and Zöller JE. Head and Face 2014, 10:10.
mucoderm® should always be hydrated before use. Hydration should be performed in sterile saline solution or patient blood for 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the desired flexibility of the matrix. The flexibility of mucoderm ® increases with hydration time.
The size and shape of the matrix should be adapted to the defect. After hydration, mucoderm® can be easily trimmed with a scalpel or scissors. Rounding the edges helps prevent gingival perforation during flap closure. For covering of multi-recession defects, the size of the matrix can be extended by cutting mucoderm® on alternating sides (mesh-graft technique) and pulling it.
After placement, mucoderm® must be immobilized to prevent micro-movements and support proper revitalization. In split-flap procedures, it should be sutured to the intact periosteum to ensure close contact with the wound bed. In vestibuloplasty, mucoderm® is adapted to the exposed periosteum and securely fixed with cross-sutures and single interrupted stitches.
mucoderm® can be used in combination with all common mucogingival surgical techniques, including coronally advanced flaps and tunnel techniques. Notably, the coronally advanced flap or the modified coronally advanced flap ensure a good view on the prepared donor bed and facilitate the coronal repositioning of the flap over the matrix. When applying mucoderm® for recession coverage, special attention must be paid to achieve sufficient flap mobilization as well as tension-free and complete closure.
