Connective Tissue Grafting

Dr. Skinner will demonstrate use of connective tissue grafts in two different cases. In both cases Dr. Skinner harvests the connective tissue graft from the palate via a trap door using a split thickness incision. He will demonstrate a tunneling technique that he uses at the graft site. The advantage of this technique is that blood supply to the papillae does not get compromised especially in areas where there is limited interdental space. Another advantage of this technique is that is alleviates problems with color and contour match.

I.    Case 1 treatment planning

II.   Case 1 preparing the graft site

III.  Case 1 harvesting the tissue graft

IV.   Case 1 placing and securing the tissue graft

V.    Case 2 treatment planning

VI.   Case 2 preparing the graft site

VII.  Case 2 harvesting the tissue graft

VI.   Case 2 placing and securing the tissue graft

Langer B, Calagna LJ. The subepithelial connective tissue graft. A new approach to the enhancement of anterior cosmetics. Int J Periodontics Restorative Dent. 1982;2:22-33. 

Tozum TF, Dini FM. Treatment of adjacent gingival recessions with subepithelial connective tissue grafts and the modified tunnel technique. Quintessence Int. 2003;34:7-113.

Allen AL. Use of the supraperiosteal envelope in soft tissue grafting for root coverage. I. Rationale and technique. Int J Periodontics Restorative Dent. 1994;14:216-227.

Lorenzana ER, Allen EP. The single-incision palatal harvest technique: a strategy for esthetics and patient comfort. Int J Periodontics Restorative Dent. 2000;20:297-305.

Reiser GM, Bruno JF, Mahan PE, et al. The subepithelial connective tissue graft palatal donor site: anatomic considerations for surgeons. Int J Periodontics Restorative Dent. 1996; 16:130-137.