{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Histological assessment of a novel de-epithelialization method for connective tissue grafts harvested from the palate. An experimental study in cadavers.
{Author}: Bara-Gaseni N;Jorba-Garcia A;Alberdi-Navarro J;Figueiredo R;Bara-Casaus JJ;
{Journal}: Clin Oral Investig
{Volume}: 28
{Issue}: 6
{Year}: 2024 May 28
{Factor}: 3.606
{DOI}: 10.1007/s00784-024-05734-y
{Abstract}: <B>OBJECTIVE: </B>This study aims to compare the histological outcomes of three distinct de-epithelialization methods used in (connective tissue grafts) CTG harvested from the palate.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>An experimental study using nine cadaver head specimens was carried out to compare 3 different de-epithelialization techniques for CTG. Eighteen samples were randomly allocated to three study groups: bone scraper, diamond bur and extraoral removal with a scalpel. The main outcome variable was the graft surface percentage without epithelium remains. Additionally, the time employed, and the graft thickness were also measured.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>Sixteen CTGs were analyzed. The extraoral scalpel group presented a total surface area with no epithelium of 58.84% (22.68) and a mean de-epithelialization time of 3.7 min; the intraoral diamond bur group had 88.24% (41.3) of the surface with no epithelium and took 1.455 min, and the intraoral bone scraper showed 97.98% (5.99) of surface without epithelium and a mean time of 0.815 min (P < 0.05). Histological analysis showed significant differences between the bone scraper and the extraoral group (P = 0.009).<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>The de-epithelialization technique with a bone scraper seems to be the most effective and fastest de-epithelialization technique for CTG. These findings need to be confirmed in future clinical studies with larger samples.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>The use of bone scrapers, could be a simple, effective and fast technique to de-epithelialize connective tissue grafts harvested from the palatal area for both novice and experienced surgeons.