The Effect of Periodontal Dressings and Various Materials on the Donor Site's Quality of Life After Free Gingival Graft Surgery

The inadequate width of attached gingiva, resulting from the loss of the attached gingiva band, is one of the primary mucogingival issues. Free gingival graft (FGG) is a mucogingival surgical technique used to increase the amount of attached gingiva, cover exposed root surfaces in localized gingival recessions, deepen the vestibule, and eliminate frenulum and muscle attachments. The harvested tissue is keratinized attached gingiva. Due to ease of access, the palate is most commonly preferred as the donor site.

Complications that may arise following FGG surgery are generally donor site-related. Reported complications include postoperative bleeding, recurrent herpetic lesions, delayed healing, paresthesia, mucocele, arteriovenous shunt, and postoperative pain. To aid healing and reduce discomfort and pain associated with the wound site in the palate after surgery, various materials have been applied to the donor site to facilitate recovery.

Following FGG surgery, patients will be divided into three groups based on the application of different materials to the wound site in the palate: leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF), Ora-Aid oral wound dressing, and a palatal surgical stent. In the Ora-Aid group, after harvesting the graft and placing it in the recipient site, the wound area will be irrigated with saline solution, and Ora-Aid will be trimmed to the appropriate size and shape. It will be gently pressed onto the wound for 5-10 seconds until it adheres. Ora-Aid and L-PRF will be secured to the wound site with a 4/0 silk cross suture. The Ora-Aid application will serve as the test group, the L-PRF application as the positive control group, and the palatal surgical stent as the negative control group. Randomization will be performed using a computer program.

Postoperatively, patients' pain levels will be assessed on the 3rd, 7th, and 14th days using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) test and the OHIP-14 questionnaire. Wound site epithelialization will be evaluated during follow-up sessions on the 7th and 14th days and at 1 month. After evaluating all questionnaire results, statistical analyses will be conducted.

Clinically, the gingiva is part of the oral mucosa and periodontium that covers the alveolar processes of the jaws and surrounds the cervical portions of the teeth. Topographically, it is divided into free, attached, and interdental gingiva. Following tooth eruption, the gingival margin is located 0.5-2 mm coronally to the cementoenamel junction (CEJ). Histologically, the gingiva consists of epithelium and connective tissue. Anatomically and clinically, it is divided into three distinct regions: free gingiva, interdental gingiva, and attached gingiva.

Mucogingival issues arise as a result of insufficient attached gingiva. A thick keratinized attached gingiva is necessary to protect against masticatory trauma. When attached gingiva is reduced, plaque control becomes difficult, and the area becomes prone to inflammation. For periodontal health, 2 mm of attached gingiva is considered essential. The protective barrier function of attached gingiva prevents free gingival margin movement caused by the effects of perioral muscles in cases of insufficient attached gingiva. Movement of the gingival margin increases the risk of inflammation progression and gingival recession.

Free gingival graft (FGG) is one of the mucogingival surgical procedures used to increase the amount of attached gingiva, cover exposed root surfaces in localized gingival recession, deepen the vestibule, and eliminate frenulum and muscle attachments. The harvested tissue is keratinized attached gingiva. During the FGG procedure, vestibular depth increases, allowing patients to perform brushing more comfortably. The tuberosity region, edentulous alveolar crest, and hard palate are commonly preferred as donor sites due to ease of access.

Post-FGG complications are generally related to the donor site and include postoperative bleeding, recurrent herpetic lesions, delayed healing, paresthesia, mucocele, arteriovenous shunt, and postoperative pain. The palatal donor site often causes more discomfort and pain during the healing process. To support healing, various procedures have been implemented for the palatal donor site, including palatal stent + periodontal dressing application, suturing of hemostatic sponges, and surgical cauterization or laser application.

Recent studies report that Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) accelerates healing and reduces postoperative morbidity when used to cover palatal wounds. Studies have shown that PRF supports "immunity," "angiogenesis," and "cellular proliferation," which play key roles in wound healing. Its use in non-healing wounds and surgical areas left for secondary healing has garnered significant attention. Choukroun developed a method to obtain leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) by centrifuging 9 ml of whole venous blood in non-anticoagulant tubes at 2700 rpm for 12 minutes at room temperature. The process produces three layers within the tube: platelet-poor plasma at the top, red blood cells at the bottom, and L-PRF, a fibrin structure rich in platelets and growth factors, in the middle. The L-PRF layer is extracted with forceps, separated from the red blood cell layer using scissors, and compressed between two metal trays in a sterile container to form a 1-mm-thick membrane for clinical use.

Ora-Aid wound dressing is a relatively new material used for palatal donor site healing following FGG surgery. The adhesive side of Ora-Aid is applied directly to the oral mucosa, forming a protective layer. Ora-Aid offers advantages such as aiding hemostasis, providing physical protection against food particles, bacterial irritants, and smoking, and reducing oral malodor with its natural mint flavor. Another advantage is that it naturally detaches without requiring an additional appointment for removal. Ora-Aid consists of hydrophilic high-density polymers encapsulated within water-insoluble mucoadhesive synthetic cellulose and contains vitamin E, which has wound-healing and hemostatic effects. It is available in two sizes: 50 mm × 20 mm and 25 mm × 15 mm.

After harvesting the FGG, the palatal wound is irrigated with saline solution, and Ora-Aid is trimmed to the appropriate size and shape. It is then peeled from its transparent film and applied to the wound using forceps. The dressing is gently pressed for 5-10 seconds until it adheres to the wound. Ora-Aid use has demonstrated superior results for both patients and clinicians, being effective in reducing postoperative pain and enhancing wound healing. It holds significant potential as a palatal wound dressing material.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the quality of life in patients receiving L-PRF and periodontal dressings on the donor site after free gingival graft surgery.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

Systemically healthy Non-smoker Insufficient attached gingiva Not using any medication regularly Age 18-85 years No previous graft taken from the same area Not in pregnancy or lactation period Agreement to participate in the study and sign the "Informed Consent Form"

Exclusion Criteria:

Systemic disease Regular systemic medication use Under 18 years old Pregnant or breastfeeding women Smoker Previous graft taken from the same area