The single-incision palatal harvest technique: a strategy for esthetics and patient comfort

The use of connective tissue grafts for root coverage and ridge augmentation is a proven, effective treatment modality. Complications associated with the palatal donor site can arise because of incomplete primary closure of the palatal wound or sloughing of the overlying tissue. This article presents a new technique for the atraumatic harvesting of connective tissue grafts from palatal donor sites. The main advantage of this single-incision technique is the primary closure of the palatal flap, resulting in less pain and sensitivity and fewer postoperative complications. A review of the technique and its indications, rationale, and limitations is presented.