Amniotic membrane & its structure, features and uses in dentistry – a brief review

Amnion allograft has been used in the field of medicine for its exceptional wound-modulating properties. However, in the field of dentistry, only a limited number of reports have explored its potential in healing of oral wounds. The amnion is a membrane building the amniotic sac that surrounds and protects an embryo. The amniotic membrane is a tissue of fetal origin and is composed of three major layers: A single epithelial layer, a thick basement membrane and an avascular mesenchyme. It contains no nerves, muscles or lymphatics and can be easily separated from the underlying chorion. The fetal membrane was first used for the transplantation of skin in 1910. With improvements in the processing and storage technologies, amniotic membrane has found application in various fields of medicine, including management of burns; reconstruction of the oral cavity, bladder and vagina; tympanoplasty; arthroplasty and so on. Recently, this multipurpose tissue has found application in the field of dentistry. Because of its inherent wound-modulating properties, amnion allograft may be used to enhance periodontal wound healing and enable tissue regeneration. Here is a review article highlighting various properties and uses of the amniotic membrane & its advantages in various dental field.