Quantitative changes in palatal donor site thickness after free gingival graft harvesting: a pilot study

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate how donor sites thickness quantitatively change over time and at different points of donor site in spontaneous palatal wound healing after free gingival graft (FGG) harvesting. Materials and Methods: Forty individuals were enrolled and divided into the following two groups based on the residual tissue thickness (RTT) after harvesting: Group 1, <2 mm; and Group 2, >= 2 mm. FGGs were standardized according to their dimensions and thickness and then harvested. Tissue filling was measured at three points of the defect area (mesial, central and distal) at various time points (baseline, after harvesting, and at 1, 3 and 6 months). Results: The thickness of newly formed tissue from the baseline to 1 month after harvesting was greater in Group 2 than in Group 1, whereas the thickness from 1 to 3 months and from 3 to 6 months after harvesting was greater in Group 1 than in Group 2 (p < 0.005). RTT was positively correlated with tissue filling in all the groups at all time points (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The palatal mucosal thickness after FGG harvesting might affect the filling of the defect. Within the study period, the periphery of the palatal wounds filled earlier and to a greater extent compared with the centre of the wounds.