Does harvesting connective tissue grafts from the palate cause persistent sensory dysfunction? A pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
The use of connective tissue grafts is a proven, effective treatment modality. This study examines whether harvesting connective tissue grafts from the palate causes persistent sensory dysfunction.


METHODS
Fourteen patients who had received at least 1 graft were included. Neurosensory tests at the palate performed postoperatively included minimal 2-point discrimination, soft-touch discrimination, pin-tactile discrimination, and thermal discrimination. Measurements were taken at 3 sites each: 5, 10, and 15 mm from the palatal tissue margin at canines, premolars, and first molars.


RESULTS
Eight patients had 1 graft, and 6 patients had 2 grafts harvested from their palate. Twelve patients had never noticed any dysfunction. Two patients reported a persistent numbness or a rough palatal surface. Statistically significant differences between donor sites and nondonor sites were shown by 2-point discrimination 5 mm from the margin of canines (6.57 mm +/- 3.79 mm at donor sites and 4.71 mm +/- 4.14 mm at nondonor sites, P = .01). Repeated-measures analysis of variance showed statistically significant differences between donor sites and nondonor sites for measurements taken 5 and 10 mm from the margin of all included teeth (P = .02).


CONCLUSIONS
Some sensory changes can occur after graft harvesting from the palate.
Buff
Linda R
LR
Department of Periodontology, Center for Dental, Oral, and Maxillofacial Medicine, Hospital of Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Frankfurt/Main, Germany.
Bürklin
Thomas
T
Eickholz
Peter
P
Mönting
Jürgen Schulte
JS
Ratka-Krüger
Petra
P
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003238:Connective Tissue / Q000637:transplantation*; D004192:Discrimination, Psychological; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006987:Hypesthesia / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D021362:Palate, Hard / Q000601:surgery*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D020858:Tissue and Organ Harvesting / Q000009:adverse effects*