Is a soft tissue graft harvested from the maxillary tuberosity the approach of choice in an isolated site?

Soft tissue augmentation procedures are becoming more popular these days. Different soft tissue graft harvesting approaches have been proposed. Nonetheless, the location of the donor site (whether anterior-, lateral-, superficial-, deep-palate or the maxillary tuberosity) can affect the graft shape and its composition. Soft tissue grafts from the maxillary tuberosity are rich in connective tissue fibers, with minimal presence of fatty or glandular components. Clinical, histological, and molecular evidence shows that a soft tissue graft obtained from the maxillary tuberosity has unique properties. In addition, harvesting from this area presents minimal risk for intra- or postoperative complications, leading to reduced patient morbidity. The aim of this commentary is to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of harvesting a soft tissue graft from the tuberosity and to compare it with the traditional palatal graft, while highlighting functional, esthetic, and patient-related outcomes.Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/151301/1/jper10300_am.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/151301/2/jper10300.pd

Patient experience of autogenous soft tissue grafting has an implication for future treatment: A 10‐ to 15‐year cross‐sectional study

BackgroundPatient- reported outcomes have received a great deal of interest in periodontal plastic procedures. However, their evaluation has mainly been short- term. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of soft tissue grafting procedures conducted over a decade ago on the willingness of a patients to undergo the surgery again.MethodsSubjects that received an autogenous soft tissue graft over 10 years ago were screened and invited for a survey. Their response was only analyzed if they were able to correctly identify the sites of the surgical procedures. Dichotomous questions and visual analogue scales (VASs) were used to assess self- reported pain, willingness to retreat and satisfaction.ResultsFifty- two patients were included in the analyses. Higher pain was reported for mandibular sites, and treated areas including - ¥ 3 teeth (P < 0.01). Willingness to retreatment was 84.6% and it was negatively associated with self- reported pain measures, the arch location (mandible), and number of treated sites (- ¥3 teeth) (P < 0.01). Mean satisfaction rate was 86.9 ± 13.65 (VAS) and showed a positive correlation with willingness to retreat (P < 0.01). Having a complete root coverage at the recall visit was also significantly associated with higher patient satisfaction scores (P < 0.01).ConclusionsPatient experience of previous autogenous soft tissue grafting has an influence on their decision to undergo future treatment. Willingness to retreat was negatively affected by mandibular sites, larger treated areas and the perceived pain, while presenting with complete root coverage was significantly associated with patient satisfaction.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/167778/1/jper10653_am.pdfhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/167778/2/jper10653.pd