EC Dental Science

Aim: To evaluate the donor site (palate) wound healing and pain assessment after free gingival graft (FGG) harvesting after using the sutured Ora-aid wound dressing.

Method: Seven patients had been enrolled at this study, requiring soft tissue augmentation for different purposes. The palate had been covered with Ora-aid with additional fixation by 5/0 prolene suture material, using horizontal figure 8 suture technique instead of acrylic palatal stent. Patients were observed for 14 days, the assessed parameters were: the early palatal wound healing, direct visual assessment of edema, suppuration, hemorrhage and necrosis, pain using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and patient satisfaction through direct communication with the patient.

Results: All the enrolled patients showed a significant improvement of wound healing parameters. They stated a lower pain perception, less pain killer consumption and higher willingness for retreatment if indicated. No post-surgical complications were recorded.

Conclusion: The sutured Ora-aid can present a very nice alternative to the traditional acrylic stent, especially if its use is complicated, giving the same preferable results giving by the stent.

 Keywords: Soft Tissue Graft; Palatal Graft Harvesting; Palatal Stent; Ora-Aid; Suturing

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