Should i be concerned about the exposure of the membrane on the side of my gum?

Question

I recently had a tooth extraction and bone graft done for implant preparation of a back molar. A barrier membrane was used. After my two week post opp consult the periodontist were happy with healing. But now after a month, i have noticed that the membrane is starting to become visible on the sides of my gums, and everyday it is more noticeable. My next follow up is in two weeks from now to remove membrane. Should i be concerned about the exposure of the membrane on the side of my gum?

Elly Tehrani, DMD, MSD · Answer

all depends what type of membrane is used. Some membranes are designed to stay exposed. Then they will be removed at 21 days to 1 month. Some membranes should stay covered until the complete healing of bone graft (4-6 months).  Exposure will increase the risk of infection. Sometimes,  by keeping site clean , the membrane can be maintained exposed for atleast 6 eeeks. Then removed. Unless it is infected , which will require immediate removal. You should have the site evaluated by your surgeon. And see if exposure is normal.  ask for recommendations/ instructions.

Charles Sutera, DMD · Answer

Typically a membrane should not become more exposed to the oral environment as it heals. A patient's natural gum tissue should begin to heal over the extraction site in the first few weeks and completely covers the site by week 3 to 4. Some patients may have a complication of increased membrane exposure the first few weeks of healing. This complication may be caused by having a thin gum biotype, loss of sutures prematurely, or history of cigarette smoking. Follow-up with your periodontist to have him reevaluate the area. He may want to place you on a prescription mouth rinse called chlorhexidine to aid the area in healing.

Should i be concerned about the exposure of the membrane on the side of my gum?

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