A study found that an adhesive made from an enzyme in snake venom was more effective for closing
surgical incisions than traditional sutures...
Snake Venom May Speed Healing Time After Oral Surgery
Study found adhesive derived from snake venom effective for closing surgical incisions
CHICAGO—October 9, 2007—Patients worried about their postoperative healing times for oral surgery procedures
may now find a unique form of relief. A study in the October 2007 issue of the Journal of Periodontology (JOP) found
that an adhesive made from an enzyme found in snake venom was a more effective and beneficial adhesive when used to close
surgical incisions than traditional sutures. Study
Abstract
The study followed 15 patients during the healing process after a gingival (gum) graft. When the adhesive derived
from snake venom was used, those patients had faster recovery and better results than those treated with traditional sutures.
“This unique type of adhesive may stimulate faster tissue repair. It is a more natural form of adhesive in comparison to traditional
sutures used after surgery,” explained study author Monica Barbosa, Phd, Bauru Dental School at the University of Sao Paulo,
“More studies are needed to fully evaluate the effectiveness of this alternative.”
“This adhesive may be a less infectious alternative to traditional sutures,” said Preston D. Miller,
DDS, and AAP president. “This research highlights the array of therapies available for
patients; both traditional and natural alternatives. There continues to be a lot of exciting and innovative research
in the field of periodontics.”
* EDITOR'S NOTE: Representatives of the media may contact the AAP Public Affairs Department to receive a
copy of the review Fibrin Adhesive Derived from Snake venom
in Periodontal Surgery. Case Series. Abstracts of Journal of Periodontology articles are available to the public online.
Full-text of studies may be accessed by AAP members and Journal subscribers or purchased online.
About the AAP
The
American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is the professional organization for periodontists - specialists in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists are also dentistry's experts in the treatment of oral inflammation. They receive three additional years of specialized training following dental school, and periodontics is one of the nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association. The AAP has 8,000 members worldwide.
Find out if you are at risk for periodontal diseases by taking the Academy's risk assessment test. Referral to a periodontist in your area is available by calling 800-FLOSS-EM or visiting the AAP's website at www.perio.org.
Media Only
To schedule an interview with an AAP spokesperson or for more information, please contact Meg Dempsey at
312-573-3242 or
meg@perio.org.
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