Snake Venom May Speed Healing Time After Oral Surgery

Study found new 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 new study in the October 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."

To find out if you are at risk for periodontal diseases, please visit the AAP's Web site and take a free risk assessment test. A referral to a periodontist in your area and brochure samples are available by calling 800-FLOSS-EM or visiting the AAP's Web site at www.perio.org.

The American Academy of Periodontology is an 8,000-member association of dental professionals specializing in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth and in the placement and maintenance of dental implants. Periodontics is one of nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.

For more information, contact the AAP Public Affairs Department at 312/573-3243 or 312/573-3242.