A comparison of two techniques for obtaining a connective tissue graft from the palate

Connective tissue grafts have become an important part of periodontal reconstructive surgery. There are several techniques available to harvest a suitable connective tissue graft. In this study, two techniques for obtaining a connective tissue graft were compared. The techniques examined were the free gingival knife method and the parallel incisions method. The connective tissue grafts were used in a root coverage procedure: the connective tissue with partial thickness double pedicle graft technique. No statistically significant difference in the mean root coverage was detected when comparing the results produced by these graft harvesting techniques (98.3% to 98.7%). Root coverage of 100% was obtained in 84.2% of the cases treated with the free gingival graft knife method and in 93.3% of the cases treated with the parallel incisions method. Additionally, the parallel incisions method produced less patient discomfort, a smaller wound at 1 week postoperative, a more uniform graft, and was easier to use clinically. Based on this study, the parallel incision method meets more of the goals of an ideal technique for harvesting a connective tissue graft than the free gingival graft knife method.