Amniotic membrane as a biological scaffold after vestibuloplasty

Vestibuloplasty techniques are widely carried out to make the denture bearing area more suitable and adequate to receive the intended prosthesis. One of the major challenges after a vestibuloplasty procedure is to reduce post operative discomfort, scar contracture and subsequent loss in sulcular depth. A raw bony surface, as is obtained after Clark's vestibuloplasty is prone not only to infections and increased pain, but also to increased scarring during the healing phase. Skin grafts have been most commonly used to cover the exposed periosteal surface but they have their own disadvantages. There is a constant search for biocompatible membranes/materials which would satisfy most criteria required of a biological scaffold. Amnion is the innermost layer of the placenta with certain unique properties. Here we discuss the efficacy of amniotic membrane as a biological dressing after vestibuloplasty.