The subepithelial connective tissue graft palatal donor site: anatomic considerations for surgeons

Surgeons must become completely familiar with the anatomy of the palatal donor site to feel confident in providing the subepithelial connective tissue graft procedure. Variations in the size and shape of the hard palate affect the dimensions of donor tissue harvested, as well as the location of the greater palatine neurovascular bundle. This article classifies palatal vaults according to height as high, average, and shallow. Illustrations and cadaver dissection are utilized to demonstrate that surgeons can gain substantial donor tissue specimens without encountering the neurovascular bundle. Actions to be followed in the unlikely event that the neurovasculature is encountered are reviewed.