Use of a Custom-Made Acrylic Palatal Stent to Minimize Donor Site Morbidity After Suture-Free Epithelialized Gingival Graft Harvesting: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Overview

Epithelialized gingival graft (EGG) harvesting from the palate is associated with postoperative morbidity, including pain and bleeding, due to healing by secondary intention. The effectiveness of palatal stents in reducing donor-site morbidity, particularly in suture-free techniques, remains unclear. This randomized controlled clinical trial evaluates the effect of a custom-made acrylic palatal stent (APS) compared with no stent on postoperative outcomes following EGG harvesting. The primary outcome is postoperative pain assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes include other patient-reported measures, clinician-reported healing, and exploratory assessments of tissue healing.

Epithelialized gingival graft (EGG) harvesting is widely used in periodontal plastic surgery but is associated with postoperative discomfort at the palatal donor site. Healing occurs by secondary intention and may result in pain, bleeding, and delayed recovery. Palatal stents have been proposed as a mechanical approach to protect the wound and reduce morbidity; however, evidence supporting their effectiveness, especially in suture-free techniques, is limited. This randomized controlled, assessor-blind, parallel-arm clinical trial aims to evaluate the effect of a custom-made acrylic palatal stent (APS) on postoperative morbidity following EGG harvesting. Patients were randomly assigned to receive APS or no stent after surgery. The primary outcome is postoperative pain. Secondary outcomes include patient-reported measures, clinical healing parameters, and exploratory assessments of tissue healing.

Conditions