Revascularization of gingival autografts placed on different receptor beds. A fluoroangiographic study

The revascularization of gingival autografts, placed either on fenestrated periosteum or on non-fenestrated periosteum, has been compared by means of 12 fluorescein angiographs, taken 8, 10 and 12 days postoperatively on 12 patients, 18-32 years of age. The grafts placed on periosteum (P-zone) showed a mean increase of fluorescence of 10.6% between the 8th and 10th day and of 19.4% between the 10th and 12th day. At that time the circulatory system in the graft seemed to be established for 97.7%. The grafts placed on fenestrated periosteum (B-zone) showed a mean increase of fluorescence of 13.2% between the 8th and the 10th day and of 13.5% between the 10th and 12th day. The revascularization reached 96.1% at that time. Between both groups no statistically significant difference has been found. It can be concluded that a periosteal receptor side is not a prerequisite for the formation of an even circulatory pattern in gingival autografts.