Wound healing dynamics, morbidity, and complications of palatal soft-tissue harvesting

Performance of multiple therapeutic approaches for palatal wound healing after soft tissue graft removal - an overview of systematic reviews

OBJECTIVE

To overview the literature to answer the following question: "What is the performance of different therapies on wound healing and postoperative discomfort after palatal ASTG removal?"

METHODS

SRs that evaluated the wound healing (WH), postoperative pain, bleeding, and analgesic consumption of patients submitted to de-epithelialized/free gingival grafts (FGG) or subepithelial connective tissue grafts (SCTG) removed from the palate were included. The searches were conducted on six white and two gray databases up to December 2023. Methodological quality was evaluated through AMSTAR 2. The synthesis of results was described as a narrative analysis.

RESULTS

Ten SRs (involving 25 randomized clinical trials) related to low-level laser therapy (LLLT) (3), platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) (4), cyanoacrylate tissue adhesives (CTA) (2), and ozone therapy (OT) (1) were included in this overview. All techniques demonstrated improvements in WH. LLT, PRF, and CTA reduced pain and analgesic consumption. PRF and CTA reduced bleeding. Regarding methodological quality, the SRs were classified as critically low (2), low (5), moderate (2), or high quality (1).

CONCLUSIONS

In SRs related to LLLT, PRF, CTA, and OT, the use of different therapies after palatal ASTG removal improved WH and postoperative discomfort. Due to the studies' low methodological quality and high heterogeneity, data should be interpreted with caution.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The present overview compiles the evidence of SRs related to different therapies for WH and patients' postoperative experience and reveals that different treatments can significantly improve the clinical outcomes of patients who require ASTG removal for periodontal or peri-implant surgeries.

REGISTRATION

PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022301257.

Feasibility study of a novel digital template-guided flapless extraction for maxillary palatal impacted teeth

OBJECTIVE

With the increasing maturity of 3D printing technology, the application of digital guide template in the extraction of impacted teeth has become more sophisticated. However, for maxillary palatal deeply impacted teeth, there still exist significant clinical challenges. This experiment introduces a novel digital guide template and innovatively employs a flapless technique to explore a minimally invasive approach for the extraction of palatal deeply impacted teeth.

METHODS

This experiment included 40 patients diagnosed with palatal completely impacted teeth, randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group used the new digital guide template for flapless extraction, while the control group employed the traditional freehand flap technique.

RESULTS

The experimental group can significantly reduce the localization time of palatally impacted teeth (P < 0.001), with total surgery times of 18.15 ± 4.88 min and 22.00 ± 7.71 min for the experimental and control groups, respectively (P = 0.067). Although there were no significant statistical differences between the two groups in terms of intraoperative bleeding, adjacent tooth damage, infection, or damage to nearby important anatomical structures, the experimental group showed significant improvements in postoperative pain (P < 0.05), swelling (P < 0.001), and patient satisfaction (P < 0.001) compared to the control group.

CONCLUSION

Compared to traditional freehand flap surgery, flapless extraction of palatally impacted teeth guided by digital templates significantly reduces the localization time of impacted teeth and demonstrates notable advantages in some postoperative complications. Future studies with larger sample sizes are needed to substantiate the feasibility of this technique.

Does the adjunctive use of autologous platelet concentrate during secondary alveolar bone grafting reduce the risk of wound dehiscence? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Wound dehiscence is a common complication after secondary alveolar bone grafting (SABG), leading to unfavourable surgical outcomes. Studies have shown that autologous platelet concentrates (APC) may enhance wound healing and improve outcomes. Therefore, this review aimed to evaluate in patients with alveolar clefts, whether using APC and iliac crest bone graft can mitigate the likelihood of wound dehiscence formation compared with those who underwent iliac bone grafting only following SABG. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using various electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCOhost, Ovid MEDLINE, LILACS, Cochrane Library, and grey literature, to include studies until July 31, 2023, without any restriction to language and time of publication. Only randomized (RCT) and controlled (CCT) clinical trials were included. Two independent reviewers screened the studies based on the predefined criteria, after which a qualitative and quantitative analysis was conducted. The search yielded 821 studies, of which seven were deemed eligible for systematic review. The risk of bias assessment done using "The Cochrane collaboration tool for risk of bias assessment" for six RCTs and the "Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies - of Interventions" for one CCT revealed a moderate to high risk of bias. The meta-analysis of five studies showed that the overall risk of developing wound dehiscence was lower in the APC group (RR = 0.33; 95% CI: 0.16, 0.71; p = 0.005; χ2 = 0.82; I2 = 0%). Subgroup analyses based on study design further supported these findings. Although the adjuvant use of APC for alveolar cleft reconstruction reduces the risk of wound dehiscence, more studies with increased scientific rigour and fewer confounding variables are warranted.

Ultrasonographic analysis of palatal donor site healing accelerated with platelet-rich fibrin following subepithelial connective tissue harvesting

OBJECTIVE

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) contains a variety of growth factors and bioactive molecules that play crucial roles in wound healing and angiogenesis. We aimed to evaluate the effects of PRF on tissue thickness and vascularization of the palatal donor site by ultrasound (USG) following subepithelial connective tissue harvesting.

METHODOLOGY

A subepithelial connective tissue graft was harvested from the palatal region with a single incision for root coverage in 20 systemically healthy patients. In the test group (n = 10), the PRF membrane was placed at the donor site, whereas no material was applied in the control group (n=10). Palatal tissue thickness (PTT) and pulsatility index (PI) were evaluated by USG at baseline and on the 3rd, 7th, 14th, 30th, and 90th days after surgery. The early healing index (EHI) was used to evaluate donor site healing for 30 days.

RESULTS

PTT was significantly higher in the PRF group on the 3rd and 14th days after surgery when compared to the controls. In the PRF-treated group, PI levels were significantly higher than in the controls, especially on the 14th day. PTT increased significantly 90 days after surgery compared to the test group baseline, but controls showed a significant decrease. The PRF group showed statistically significant improvements in EHI scores compared to controls on days 3, 7, and 14. This study found a negative correlation between PI values and EHI scores on postoperative days three and seven in the test group.

CONCLUSION

USG is a non-invasive, objective method to radiographically evaluate the regenerative effects of PRF on palatal wound healing after soft tissue harvesting. To overcome graft inadequacy in reharvesting procedures, PRF application may enhance clinical success and reduce possible complications by increasing tissue thickness and revascularization in the donor area.

Biofabrication Strategies for Oral Soft Tissue Regeneration

Gingival recession, a prevalent condition affecting the gum tissues, is characterized by the exposure of tooth root surfaces due to the displacement of the gingival margin. This review explores conventional treatments, highlighting their limitations and the quest for innovative alternatives. Importantly, it emphasizes the critical considerations in gingival tissue engineering leveraging on cells, biomaterials, and signaling factors. Successful tissue-engineered gingival constructs hinge on strategic choices such as cell sources, scaffold design, mechanical properties, and growth factor delivery. Unveiling advancements in recent biofabrication technologies like 3D bioprinting, electrospinning, and microfluidic organ-on-chip systems, this review elucidates their precise control over cell arrangement, biomaterials, and signaling cues. These technologies empower the recapitulation of microphysiological features, enabling the development of gingival constructs that closely emulate the anatomical, physiological, and functional characteristics of native gingival tissues. The review explores diverse engineering strategies aiming at the biofabrication of realistic tissue-engineered gingival grafts. Further, the parallels between the skin and gingival tissues are highlighted, exploring the potential transfer of biofabrication approaches from skin tissue regeneration to gingival tissue engineering. To conclude, the exploration of innovative biofabrication technologies for gingival tissues and inspiration drawn from skin tissue engineering look forward to a transformative era in regenerative dentistry with improved clinical outcomes.

Clinical effectiveness of orange peel polymethoxy-flavonoids rich fraction as a palatal dressing material compared to Alveogyl: randomized clinical trial

This study assessed the clinical effectiveness of orange peel polymethoxy-flavonoids rich fraction (OPMF) solid dispersion as a palatal dressing material, compared with Alveogyl, in a randomized clinical trial. After harvesting free gingival grafts for 18 patients in three groups, the donor site in group I received OPMF; group II received Alveogyl; and group III received placebo dough material. The visual analog scale (VAS) pain score in group I showed the lowest value in week one without a significant difference. In week 2, there was a substantial decrease in pain in group I compared to group III. Week 4 showed reduced pain scores in all groups without significant differences. The results of the number of analgesic pills revealed, after 1 week, the lowest number of pills consumed in group I, with a considerable difference compared to group III. Healing process results showed that group I had the highest healing values in each interval, with a significant difference between group I and group III at 1 and 2 weeks. Color matching parameter showed slight differences between the groups' readings in favor of group I in all intervals without a statistically significant difference. The results suggest OPMF as a palatal dressing material that facilitates hemostasis, pain relief, and palatal wound healing.

A modified geometric technique to increase peri-implant keratinized mucosa

OBJECTIVE

The free gingival graft (FGG) has been identified as the most effective method for increasing keratinized mucosa width (KMW). However, the challenge emerges in cases of extensive keratinized mucosa deficiency, where efficient utilization of the patient's limited keratinized tissue to achieve optimal results is crucial. This article introduces a modified geometric technique to address this clinical issue.

CLINICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Utilizing geometric principles, the modified technique involves dividing the rectangular graft into two triangular or trapezoidal sections, which are then reassembled to form an approximate diamond shape. Through strategic cut and splice, the graft is reshaped to suit the recipient site.

CONCLUSION

Preliminary observations in cases employing the modified geometric technique have increased the KMW around implants. This method enhances graft utilization and offers a viable clinical option for surgical plans aimed at widening keratinized mucosa in instances of large-area KMW deficiency.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

This article proposed a modified method to increase KMW, which may be an optimal choice for patients with insufficient KMW in large area, avoiding the waste of limited graft, decreasing patient morbidity, and effectively widening keratinized mucosa.

Parodontgel® on Wound Healing and Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) after Tunneled Coronally Advanced Flap (TCAF)

The adjunctive use of healing gels following periodontal plastic surgery is not common in clinical practice, and no definitive benefits have yet been demonstrated. Case Presentation. A 33-year-old male patient with a central lower incisor class RT1 recession sought treatment due to sensitivity and dissatisfaction with the appearance of his smile. The patient had no history of periodontal disease; however, he was under orthodontic treatment contributing to the gingival recession and irregular gum contours. Treatment. The patient underwent two sequential surgical procedures. Initially, an apically repositioned flap (APF) was performed to correct the frenulum reducing flap tension and improving the gum line aesthetics. Subsequently, after 8 weeks, a tunneled coronally advanced flap (TCAF) was executed to further refine the gum contours and achieve root coverage. Postoperative Healing Protocol. To enhance the healing process and alleviate postoperative discomfort, a healing gel containing hyaluronic acid as the active molecule was applied to the surgical sites. The gel was expected to reduce pain perception and minimize the need for painkiller intake during the critical first week of recovery. The patient was asked to fill a pain chart for the initial 7 days, recording pain levels on a visual analogue scale (VAS 0-10) and the number of paracetamol tablets taken as painkillers. Results. After both the APF and TCAF surgeries, the patient reported pain levels with a mean VAS score of 4.33 and 4.25, respectively. The painkiller intake during the first week was noted to be 3 tablets for the APF and 2 tablets for the TCAF. Notably, the application of the healing gel with hyaluronic acid did not cause any adverse reactions, indicating its potential safety and efficacy in this context. Conclusion. The application of a healing gel containing hyaluronic acid after periodontal plastic surgery showed promising results in reducing postoperative pain and the need for painkillers during the initial week of recovery. However, further investigations through randomized clinical trials are required to establish the potential benefits and broader applicability of such healing gel applications in the context of periodontal plastic surgery.

Evaluation of Post-Operative Morbidity and Palatal Wound Healing after Implant Uncovering Surgical Procedure Performed with Apically Positioned Flap (APF) and Leukocyte and Platelet-Rich-Fibrin (L-PRF): An Original Technique

Background and Objectives: Dental implants are recognized as an effective treatment in the management of edentulous patients; controversies surround the connection between the sufficiency of keratinized gingiva (KG) and peri-implant health. Maintaining an ample amount of peri-implant KG is crucial for minimizing gingival inflammation, highlighting the need for regular consideration of soft-tissue augmentation. Among the diverse periodontal plastic surgical procedures, the apically positioned flap (APF) is notable for its ability to enhance the width of keratinized tissue while minimizing patient morbidity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of L-PRF on palatal wound healing and patient discomfort after surgery. Materials and Methods: Twenty patients with two adjacent submerged fixtures in the maxilla and buccal keratinized gingiva widths < 2 mm were treated with APF and L-PRF. Clinical evaluations were performed at 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks post-surgery, focusing on parameters such as complete wound epithelialization (CWE), postoperative discomfort (D), changes in feeding habits (CFH), alteration of sensitivity (AS) around the wound area, and the consumption of analgesics. Results: Our data revealed CWE in 5 patients by the end of the second week, with the remaining 15 achieving CWE by the end of the third week. For D and CHF, a statistically significant improvement was recorded for all cases between the first and second weeks, as well as AS, although less substantial, by the third week. No significant changes were noted for AS over the initial two weeks. Conclusions: These findings suggest that L-PRF may enhance wound healing and decrease patient discomfort following APF for fixture uncovering.

Differential molecular profiles and associated functionalities characterize connective tissue grafts obtained at different locations and depths in the human palate

The present study aimed to assess the molecular profiles of subepithelial connective tissue grafts (CTGs) obtained at different locations and depths in the human palate. Sixty-four CTGs belonging to anterior deep (AD), anterior superficial (AS), posterior deep (PD), and posterior superficial (PS) groups were subjected to RNA-Sequencing and their transcriptomes were analyzed computationally. Functional correlations characterizing the CTG groups were validated by cell biological experiments using primary human palatal fibroblasts (HPFs) extracted from the CTGs. A clearly more pronounced location-dependent than depth-dependent difference between the grafts, with a minimal number of genes (4) showing no dependence on the location, was revealed. Epithelial, endothelial, and monocytic cell migration was strongly (P < 0.001) potentiated by AD- and PS-HPFs. Moreover, significantly increased expression of genes encoding C-C and C-X-C motif chemokine ligands as well as significantly (P < 0.01) activated p38 signaling suggested immunomodulatory phenotype for AD- and PS-HPFs. Increased growth factor gene expression and significantly activated (P < 0.001) Erk and Akt signaling in HPFs originating from A-CTGs implied their involvement in cell survival, proliferation, and motility. Prominent collagen-rich expression profile contributing to high mechanical stability, increased osteogenesis-related gene expression, and strongly activated (P < 0.001) Smad1/5/8 signaling characterized HPFs originating from P-CTGs. The present data indicate that in humans, differences between palatal CTGs harvested from different locations and depths appear to be location- rather than depth-dependent. Our findings provide the basis for future personalization of the therapeutic strategy by selecting an optimal graft type depending on the clinical indications.

Postoperative local interventions for the palate as a gingival graft donor area: a scoping review

OBJECTIVE

This scoping review aimed to systematically identify evidence-based interventions to stimulate healing or protect the harvested palate of patients undergoing gingival grafting.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study followed guidelines from the Joanna Briggs Institute and PRISMA-ScR (protocol available at osf.io/zhafn). PubMed, Embase, and seven other databases were searched on November 2022, with additional monitoring until April 2023. The inclusion criteria focused on studies evaluating outcomes related to the donor area (palate) and interventions for healing or protecting it, regardless of publication year and language. Data from the included publications was extracted and presented through narrative text, tables, and figures.

RESULTS

Eighty-one studies (including 64 clinical trials, four case series, five theses, and eight systematic reviews) and 37 clinical trial records were included. The number of studies on this topic has significantly increased, reflecting a growing interest in the field. Thirty-six interventions with published results and 12 interventions with unpublished results from clinical trial registers were identified. Some promising interventions that showed potential for improving patient-reported outcomes include cyanoacrylate adhesive, platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), and the combination of palatal stents and healing agents.

CONCLUSIONS

Thirty-six interventions with published results were identified for postoperative use on the harvested palate, showing varying levels of evidence and conflicting effectiveness for specific outcomes.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Postoperative discomfort and pain in the palate are commonly experienced by patients undergoing grafting procedures using this region as the donor area. Awareness of the available options and their levels of evidence is crucial for informed decision-making.

A prospective case series on the efficacy of a cross-linked collagen matrix to increase buccal soft tissue thickness at large edentulous gaps: One-year results

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to assess profilometric changes following soft tissue augmentation with a cross-linked porcine-derived collagen matrix (CMX) at large edentulous gaps of at least two units.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Systemically healthy, nonsmoking patients with a large edentulous gap of at least two units demonstrating a horizontal soft tissue defect, were enrolled in a prospective case series. Soft tissue augmentation was performed in a one-stage approach with a 6 mm thick CMX at the time of implant placement. The primary outcome was the change in buccal soft tissue profile (BSP) at a mesial, central, and distal area of interest (AOI) up to 1 year when compared to the preoperative situation based on superimposed digital surface models. Secondary outcomes included the horizontal dimension of the soft tissue defect, complications, and marginal bone loss (MBL).

RESULTS

Fifteen patients (eight females; mean age 58.73 years) were enrolled and 13 could be re-assessed at 1-year follow-up. The mean linear increase in BSP at 1 year was 0.66 mm (98.3% CI: 0.37-0.94), 0.80 mm (98.3% CI: 0.39-1.22), and 0.69 mm (98.3% CI: 0.32-1.06) at the mesial, central, and distal AOI, respectively. Substantial shrinkage of about 75% was observed in all areas between augmentation and 1-year follow-up. Even though 11 of 13 sites were fully augmented immediately postoperative, a soft tissue defect recurred in all sites at 1-year follow-up with a mean deficit of 2.30 mm. Altogether, 25% of the original soft tissue defect was eliminated by soft tissue augmentation. CMX was safe since no postoperative complications occurred and MBL was limited (0.70 mm).

CONCLUSION

CMX is efficacious for horizontal soft tissue augmentation at large edentulous gaps. However, considerable graft resorption may be expected, and the clinical relevance of the augmentation may be questionable since all patients demonstrated a recurring and considerable soft tissue defect 1 year after surgery.

The importance of soft tissue condition in bone regenerative procedures to ensure long-term peri-implant health

Bone regenerative procedures have been widely proved to be a reliable treatment option to re-create the ideal pre-implant clinical conditions. Nevertheless, these techniques are not free from post-operative complications which might result in implant failure. Consequently, as demonstrated by the increasing recently published evidence, a careful pre- and intra-operative flap evaluation to ensure an ideal and hermetic tension-free wound closure is of paramount importance to successfully treat bony defects. In this respect, several surgical interventions mainly aimed to increase the amount of keratinized mucosa either to allow an optimal healing after a reconstructive procedure or to establish an optimal peri-implant soft tissue seal have been proposed. The present review summarizes the level of evidence on the surgical clinical aspects which have an impact on the soft tissue handling associated with bone reconstructive procedures and on the importance of soft tissue conditions to enhance and maintain peri-implant health in the long-term.

Pre-operative, chair-side Zn-containing surgical stents affect morbidity and wound healing after free gingival graft harvesting: a randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

To compare a pre-operatively, chair-side made, zinc-containing surgical stent (ZN) and suturing of a gelatin-based hemostatic agent (HA) on palatal wound healing and patient morbidity after free gingival graft surgery (FGG).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty patients requiring FGG were randomly divided into two groups to receive either a ZN or a sterile HA sutured on the surgical area. Patients were evaluated at 1st, 3rd, 7th, 14th, 28th, and 56th days following surgery. Overall surgical time, donor site surgical time, postoperative pain (PP), delayed bleeding (DB), changes in dietary habits (DH), burning sensation (BS), completion of re-epithelialization (CE), and patients' discomfort (PD) were evaluated.

RESULTS

Donor site surgical time, PP, DB, DH, BS were statistically significantly lower in the ZN group together with faster completion of re-epithelialization compared to the HA group.

CONCLUSION

Pre-operatively, chair-side made, zinc-containing surgical stents provided significant benefits for wound healing parameters and patients' postoperative morbidity after FGG harvesting.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The results show that using Zn-containing palatal stent after free gingival graft surgery significantly reduces pain and patient morbidity during the postoperative period.

Do soft tissue augmentation techniques provide stable and favorable peri-implant conditions in the medium and long term? A systematic review

OBJECTIVES

To review the available literature on the medium- and long-term effects of soft tissue augmentation (STA) at implant sites and to explore the effects of the different approaches on clinical-, patient-reported, and health-related parameters.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A comprehensive electronic and manual search was performed to identify prospective clinical studies that assessed the medium- and long-term (≥36 months) outcomes following STA, including number of sites maintaining peri-implant health and number of sites developing peri-implant disease, incidence of complications, stability of the clinical, volumetric, and radiographic parameters, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs).

RESULTS

Fifteen studies were included in the qualitative analysis. STA was performed with either a bilaminar- or an apically positioned flap (APF) approach, in combination with autogenous grafts (free gingival graft [FGG] and connective tissue graft [CTG]) or substitutes (acellular dermal matrix [ADM] and xenogeneic cross-linked collagen matrix [CCM]). An overall high survival rate was observed. Most of the augmented implant sites maintained peri-implant health in the medium and long term, with the incidence of peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis ranging from 0% to 50% and from 0% to 7.14%, respectively. The position of the soft tissue margin following APF + FGG and bilaminar approaches involving CTG or CCM was found to be stable over time. No substantial changes were reported for plaque score/index, bleeding on probing/bleeding index, and probing depth between early time points and following visits. CTG-based STA procedures resulted in a stable or increased dimension of keratinized mucosa width (KMW) and mucosal thickness (MT)/volumetric outcomes over time, when compared with early follow-ups. Most of the included studies described stable marginal bone levels at the grafted implant sites over time. No substantial changes for patient-reported outcomes and professionally assessed esthetic results were reported at different time points.

CONCLUSIONS

Implants that received STA showed overall high survival rate and relatively low incidence of peri-implantitis in the medium and long term. Augmented sites seem to maintain the level of soft tissue margin and marginal bone over time, while non-augmented implants may exhibit apical shift of the soft tissue margin. The overall favorable early outcomes obtained with STA are maintained in the medium and long term, with an increase in KMW and MT that may be expected over time at CTG-augmented sites.

Histological and histomorphometric study of human palatal mucosa: Implications for connective tissue graft harvesting

AIMS

To analyse the histological structure and histomorphometric characteristics of human hard palatal mucosa in order to determine the donor site of choice for connective tissue grafts from a histological point of view.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Palatal mucosa samples from six cadaver heads were harvested at four sites: incisal, premolar, molar and tuberosity. Histological and immunohistochemical techniques were performed, as was histomorphometric analysis.

RESULTS

In the current study, we found that the density and size of cells were higher in the superficial papillary layer, whereas the thickness of the collagen bundles increased in the reticular layer. Excluding the epithelium, the mean percentage of lamina propria (LP) and submucosa (SM) was 37% and 63%, respectively (p < .001). LP thickness showed similar values in the incisal, premolar and molar regions, and a significantly greater thickness in tuberosity (p < .001). The thickness of SM increased from incisal to premolar and molar, disappearing in the tuberosity (p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

As dense connective tissue of LP is the tissue of choice for connective tissue grafts, the best donor site from a histological point of view is tuberosity because it is composed only of a thick LP without the presence of a loose submucosal layer.