Comparison of Free Gingival Graft and Linear Incision for Connective Tissue

The de-epithelialized free gingival grafting will begin with two horizontal incisions, 1.0 to 1.5 mm apical to the margin of the soft tissue of the adjacent teeth and two vertical incisions to delimit the area to be grafted. Along the coronal horizontal incision, the blade will be oriented almost perpendicular to the bone surface, and once an adequate thickness of soft tissue is obtained, it will be rotated to become almost parallel to the external surface of the palate. The graft thickness will be maintained uniform and the wound will be protected with absorbable collagen sponge derived from swine (Spongostan; Ethicon, Somerville, USA) and maintained with compressive sutures with non-absorbable 5-0 monofilament thread (Microsuture, São Paulo), anchored to the soft tissue apical to the area of the palatal wound. Immediately after suture completion, drops of high viscosity cyanoacrylate adhesive (PeriAcryl 90 HV; Glustitch, Delta, Canada) will be applied.

The linear technique (Lorenzana ER, Allen EP 2000) will begin with a horizontal incision 2 mm apical to the gingival margin, perpendicular to the palate, which is deepened to the bone crest. Next, a second incision is made to divide the flap and expose the connective tissue bed. The thickness of the outer portion of the flap should be at least 1 mm, with uniformity throughout its extension to reduce the risk of epithelial tissue necrosis. Subsequently, internal lateral incisions (mesial and distal) and the base incision will be made, connecting the vertical incisions to delineate horizontal and vertical boundaries. Immediately after graft removal, an absorbable hemostatic collagen sponge derived from swine (Spongostan; Ethicon, Somerville, USA) will be placed and sutured using non-absorbable 5-0 monofilament thread (Microsuture, São Paulo).Immediately after suturing is completed, drops of high viscosity cyanoacrylate adhesive (PeriAcryl 90 HV; Glustitch, Delta, Canada) will be applied.