title: The single-incision palatal harvest technique: a strategy for esthetics and patient comfort.
abstract: The use of connective tissue grafts for root coverage and ridge augmentation is a proven, effective treatment modality. Complications associated with the palatal donor site can arise because of incomplete primary closure of the palatal wound or sloughing of the overlying tissue. This article presents a new technique for the atraumatic harvesting of connective tissue grafts from palatal donor sites. The main advantage of this single-incision technique is the primary closure of the palatal flap, resulting in less pain and sensitivity and fewer postoperative complications. A review of the technique and its indications, rationale, and limitations is presented.
authors.affiliation: Baylor College of Dentistry-Texas A & M University System, Dallas, Texas, USA. doctors@advancedperiodontics.com
authors.forename: E R
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Lorenzana
authors.forename: E P
authors.initials: EP
authors.lastname: Allen
mesh_terms: D003238:Connective Tissue / Q000637:transplantation*; D005260:Female; D005881:Gingiva / Q000637:transplantation*; D005889:Gingival Recession / Q000601:surgery; D005893:Gingivoplasty / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010159:Palate / Q000601:surgery*; D014021:Tissue Preservation