Comparisons of clinical outcomes following connective tissue grafting from different donor sites: A systematic review.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Aim To undertake a systematic review assessing the effectiveness of connective tissue grafts harvested from the palate and the tuberosity in terms of soft tissue augmentation outcomes, both clinical and patient-centered, around teeth and dental implant. Methods Electronic database searches, including Medline, searches were conducted for human studies comparing clinical and patient-centred outcomes of connective tissue grafts harvested from the palate and the tuberosity and augmented around teeth and dental implants. Clinical trials and observational studies with a comparative control were included and assessed for bias using either the Cochrane risk of bias tool or the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. Results Two randomized clinical trials were included, both assessed as being at high risk of bias. One study was on natural teeth investigated pain, root coverage and gingival thickness following root coverage procedure. The other study explored volume change, keratinized tissue width and aesthetic around dental implants. Due to the differences in reported outcomes, data synthesis and comparisons are not applicable. conclusion The evidence in the impact of graft origin on clinical and patient-centered outcomes is limited. Within the limitations of this review, a tendency toward superior clinical outcomes, gain in attached gingiva and soft tissue volume, obtained by using CTG harvested from the tuberosity compared to lateral palate in short term periods is indicated.