All About Soft Derm: Answers to All Questions on Its Applications, Benefits, and Key Points

 What is Soft Derm?

Soft Derm it is a new generation of connective tissues derived from the human dermis. This product is specifically designed for soft tissue regeneration as a safe and effective alternative to autografts (tissue harvested from the patient), eliminating the complications associated with palatal tissue harvesting.

 What components does the structure of Soft Derm contain?

This product is made of human type I and III collagen with a spongy structure that supports blood clotting and the growth of soft tissue cells. Through a multi-step, validated purification process, all cells, non-collagenous proteins, and potential immunogenic factors and antigens are removed. The result is a safe collagen matrix with a structure resembling human connective tissue.

Is Soft Derm resorbable?

Yes, this product is resorbable. The collagen in Soft Derm integrates with the patient’s newly formed soft tissue. Once the matrix is placed at the graft site, provided there is sufficient blood supply, the patient’s blood infiltrates its three-dimensional network, initiating rapid revascularization and the migration of host soft tissue cells, leading to effective integration of the matrix with the recipient tissue.

Is antibiotic therapy required after treatment with Soft Derm?

After treatment with Soft Derm, prescribing antibiotics can be beneficial to prevent potential unwanted complications.

 Soft Derm Should it be covered by a flap (submerged) or can it remain exposed to the oral environment (exposed)?

This depends on the type of surgery and the extent of graft exposure:

• For coverage of exposed tooth roots: It is strongly recommended to fully cover Soft Derm with a flap and keep it out of the oral environment to prevent premature resorption and reduced treatment effectiveness.

• For increasing the width of keratinized mucosa: Limited exposure of Soft Derm is acceptable, provided proper oral hygiene is maintained and sufficient keratinized tissue surrounds the exposed area. However, in exposed sites, a slight indentation of the grafted tissue may be noticeable after the healing period.

What should be done if Soft Derm is unintentionally exposed during healing?

If Soft Derm becomes exposed in situations where it should be fully covered (e.g., root coverage surgery), the risk of infection and accelerated resorption increases. In such cases, maintaining oral hygiene with antimicrobial mouth rinses (e.g., 0.12% chlorhexidine) is crucial. Patients should be instructed to avoid manipulating the area or brushing it directly. In many cases, if the exposure is minor, tissue from the edges will begin to grow over and cover the graft.

What are the main indications for Soft Derm?

Soft Derm is used in a wide range of soft tissue reconstructive surgeries, including:

• Root Coverage: To cover exposed tooth roots due to gum recession.

• Soft Tissue Thickening: To increase the thickness of soft tissue around teeth and implants, especially in patients with a thin gingival biotype.

• Increasing the Width of Keratinized Mucosa: To expand the area of attached gingiva around implants.

 How long does Soft Derm need for rehydration?

This product is supplied in a dry form and must be rehydrated before use with sterile saline or distilled water for injection. Hydration is very quick, usually taking just a few seconds for the product to gain the flexibility needed for placement. Prolonged soaking is not necessary.

 Does Soft Derm change in size during rehydration?

Yes, Soft Derm expands by approximately 50% after rehydration. Therefore, the final size of the product should be considered so that, after expansion, it fits properly without exerting pressure on surrounding tissues. Any force applied to place the product under the flap or to approximate flap edges when soft tissue is not adequately mobile can affect treatment outcomes. Soft Derm serves as a scaffold for cell growth and requires a pressure-free space from the flap.

 Can Soft Derm be cut to the dimensions and shape of the defect?

After rehydration, it can be easily cut with a surgical blade or scissors to the desired shape and size. Given its elasticity, which is greater than conventional dermis, pulling on the edges of the product may damage its structural integrity.

Which side of Soft Derm should face the bone (periosteum) and which side should face the gingival flap?

Soft Derm has a uniform matrix structure, so it does not matter which side faces the bone or the flap. This feature simplifies handling.

 Can Soft Derm be used in patients who smoke?

Smoking is a risk factor for all oral surgeries and can impair healing. Patients are advised to refrain from smoking, at least during the initial healing period. If smoking is likely, the product should not be left exposed in the oral cavity.

 How does the regenerated tissue appear over time with Soft Derm?

A major advantage of Soft Derm is its excellent color and texture match with surrounding gingiva. In the first weeks, the surgical area may appear white or yellow, which is part of normal healing. Over time, the newly formed tissue replacing the matrix closely resembles natural gingiva, resulting in an optimal aesthetic outcome.

Is fixation of Soft Derm necessary, and can tissue adhesives be used instead of sutures?

Fixation of Soft Derm, like any graft, is essential for optimal results. Tissue adhesives alone are insufficient to stabilize the flap edges over the graft; sutures or healing abutments should be used to prevent graft movement. When used with healing abutments or other supracrestal implant components, they can assist in stabilizing Soft Derm. The best sutures to prevent contamination on the flap are single-strand, non-resorbable sutures like nylon; studies show that 5-0 nylon performs very well in soft tissue grafts.

 What is the long-term stability and volume maintenance of soft tissue created with Soft Derm?

Clinical studies show that the thickness of soft tissue achieved with Soft Derm undergoes some shrinkage during the healing phase but remains stable after maturation. It is recommended to use this product only in the presence of keratinized tissue, as covering Soft Derm with non-keratinized, movable tissue is strongly associated with graft shrinkage.

Iranian Tissue Products Company, by providing the Soft Derm allograft, has made a significant advancement in the treatment of oral and dental diseases. This innovative product, grounded in modern scientific knowledge and international standards, offers a reliable platform for soft tissue regeneration and plays a crucial role in improving treatment outcomes, reducing side effects, and enhancing patient satisfaction. The use of Soft Derm in dentistry not only facilitates treatment procedures and improves patients’ quality of life but also demonstrates Iran’s valuable capabilities in producing advanced medical products and localizing cutting-edge technologies.