Technique to Protect the Palatal Donor Area After Taking a Free Gingival Graft: The Patchwork Technique
The objective is to describe a technique to protect the donor area after taking a free gingival graft. A partial de-epithelialization of the palatal area is performed with a lentil bur mounted in a dental turbine. A partial thickness flap is then created to harvest the superficial connective tissue layer. Subsequently, two collagen sponges are placed into the wound. The sponges are compressed and secured by two sling stitches. Once hemostasis is obtained, a uniform layer of flow composite is placed and light-cured. Finally, a sling stitch is added to secure and compress the composite layer. Postoperatively, the donor area showed satisfactory healing after 14 days, with partial healing after the first revision and complete epithelialization during the second revision, with no reported pain or discomfort. Thus, the patchwork technique may be a more straightforward, predictable, and cost-effective alternative that protects the donor area, improves healing, and reduces pain.
(a and b) De epithelization. Partial de-epithelization of the palatal area with a lentil bur mounted in a dental turbine.
(a and b) Graft harvesting: a partial thickness flap was achieved by harvesting the superficial connective tissue layer.
(a and b) Initial suture: multiple collagen plugs packed firmly in the wound site and a double cross-sling suture of 0/4 Supramid.
(a and b) Composite matrix: thin layer of photopolymerized high-density flow-composite and stabilization with a double cross-sling suture, creating a stable patchwork.
(a and b) Healing of the donor area of the palate at 15 days and suture removal.
Healing of the donor area of the palate at 30 days.
Contributor Notes