Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026
A Simplified Protocol for Protecting Palatal Soft Tissue Donor Sites Using an Oral Mucoadhesive Bandage
Published on: February 17, 2026
Treatment of gingival lichen with free palatal grafts
Tony Axéll1, Birgitte Moesgaard Henriksen
1Maxillofacial Unit, Halmstad Hospital, Halmstad, Sweden. tony.axell@lthalland.se
Background:
Recalcitrant gingival erythematous lichen planus/lichenoid lesions comprise a considerable therapeutic problem. The objective of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of grafting keratinized oral palatal mucosa to the sites of gingival lichen.
Methods:
In 12 patients 20 grafts were transplanted to buccal gingival lesions. Mean age of the patients was 59.8 +/- 7.1 years (range 46-71 years). The mean observation time was 32 +/- 32.7 months (range 5-97 months).
Results:
On a 4-point clinical grade scale (0-3), 12 (60%) transplants showed complete healing grade 3, six (30%) grade 2 and two (10%) grade 1.
Conclusions:
Using oral mucosal grafts from the palatal mucosa for the treatment of recalcitrant erythematous gingival lichen planus/lichenoid lesions seems to be a promising treatment modality.
