The Human Amniotic Membrane: An Old Tissue with New Promise in Oral Surgery
A Rediscovered Ally for Faster and Better Wound Healing
Healing after oral surgery is not always straightforward. Age, diabetes, smoking, and systemic conditions can slow down recovery, increase inflammation, and raise the risk of complications. While the oral mucosa has a remarkable natural ability to heal, clinicians continue to look for materials that can support faster, safer, and more predictable outcomes.
A recent review published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences revisits an unexpected yet powerful biological material: the human amniotic membrane (hAM). Once known mainly for its role in pregnancy, this tissue is now gaining renewed attention as a versatile tool in regenerative oral surgery.
Why Wound Healing in the Mouth Matters
Oral surgical procedures—such as tooth extractions, periodontal surgery, implant placement, or tumor excision—rely heavily on efficient wound healing. Although the mouth benefits from rich blood supply and saliva, healing can be disrupted by chronic inflammation, infection, or impaired immune responses.
Traditional barrier membranes used in dentistry help protect surgical sites, but they also have limitations. Some require a second surgery for removal, while others lack biological activity and may trigger inflammation as they degrade. This has encouraged researchers to explore alternatives that do more than just “cover” a wound.
What Is the Human Amniotic Membrane?
The human amniotic membrane is the innermost layer of the placenta, naturally designed to protect and support fetal development. Structurally thin but biologically rich, it contains:
Collagen and elastin for mechanical support
Growth factors that stimulate tissue repair
Cytokines that regulate inflammation
Stem cell–like populations with regenerative potential
Importantly, the membrane has no blood vessels or nerves and shows very low immunogenicity, meaning it rarely triggers immune rejection when transplanted.
How the Amniotic Membrane Supports Healing
According to the review, the amniotic membrane contributes to oral wound healing through multiple complementary mechanisms:
Promoting Rapid Epithelialization
The membrane acts like a natural scaffold, helping epithelial cells migrate, attach, and grow over the wound surface. This speeds up surface healing and reduces the risk of open wounds.
Reducing Inflammation and Pain
The hAM releases anti-inflammatory molecules and limits excessive immune cell activity. Clinically, this translates into less swelling, reduced pain, and improved patient comfort after surgery.
Supporting Blood Vessel Formation
Growth factors within the membrane encourage angiogenesis—the formation of new blood vessels—ensuring better oxygen and nutrient supply to healing tissues.
Limiting Scar Formation
By modulating fibroblast activity and growth factor signaling, the amniotic membrane helps reduce fibrosis and excessive scarring, which is especially important in visible or functional oral areas.
Providing Antimicrobial Protection
The membrane also contains antimicrobial and antiviral components that help protect wounds from infection during the early healing phase.
Where Is It Used in Oral Surgery?
Clinical studies summarized in the review show that the human amniotic membrane has been successfully applied in several areas, including:
Periodontal surgery for gingival recession and pocket treatment
Coverage of oral mucosal defects after tumor or lesion removal
Implant site preservation and bone regeneration
Management of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ)
Across many studies, the membrane demonstrated good safety, favorable healing outcomes, and high patient tolerance.
Practical Advantages for Clinicians
Beyond its biological effects, the amniotic membrane is available in different preserved forms—such as cryopreserved, dehydrated, or freeze-dried—making it adaptable to various clinical settings. Some forms are self-adhering, reducing the need for sutures and shortening surgical time.
Despite these advantages, the authors note that hAM remains underused in dentistry, mainly due to handling, storage, and familiarity issues rather than lack of evidence.
A Promising Future for Regenerative Dentistry
This review highlights the human amniotic membrane as a rare combination of biological activity, safety, and practicality. By supporting healing at multiple levels—cellular, immunological, and structural—it offers clear advantages over conventional membranes.
With further standardization and wider clinical adoption, the amniotic membrane could become a routine tool in oral and periodontal surgery, helping patients heal faster, with less pain and better long-term outcomes.
Reference
Sabbatini M, Boffano P, Ferrillo M, Migliario M, Renò F. The Human Amniotic Membrane: A Rediscovered Tool to Improve Wound Healing in Oral Surgery. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2025;26:8470.
DOI: 10.3390/ijms26178470