Evaluation of Patient Discomfort at the Palatal Donor Site Following Free Gingival Graft Procedures: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background and aims. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects on patients’ discomfort of four different protective methods for donor sites after free gingival graft (FGG) surgery.

Materials and methods. This study compared the effects of four different covering methods on discomfort (pain, chewing, speaking, appearance) of patients at the donor site. This study included 4 groups: Group A, periodontal dressing (PD); group B, Essix retainer, group C, modified Essix retainer and group D, modified Hawley retainer. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used to measure the experienced discomfort.

Results. The mean VAS scores for pain were higher in group A compared to those in groups with retainers for both assessments, but there was only statistically significance at T1 (P>0.05). While bleeding was significantly more common in group A than in the other groups at T1 (after one week) and T2 (after two week) (P<0.05), the differences between groups B, C, and D were not significant (P>0.05). The present study showed that speaking and appearance VAS scores in the PD group were lower than those in groups with retainers (P<0.05).

Conclusion. The complaints about the donor site after FGG surgery might decrease with the use of coverage techniques.