Soft tissue surgery – Part 2
Venue
Venue to be announced via email
Understanding Connective Tissue Grafts
Connective tissue grafts (CTGs) are widely used in periodontal plastic surgery to treat gingival recession, enhance tissue thickness, and improve aesthetics. Unlike free gingival grafts, CTGs involve harvesting subepithelial connective tissue—usually from the palate—and placing it beneath a flap at the recipient site. This technique is preferred for root coverage due to its excellent color match, higher predictability, and better patient comfort. CTGs are often used in conjunction with coronally advanced flaps to achieve optimal results.
Biology and Indications
Duration:
2 Weeks
- Anatomy of connective tissue
- Biologic rationale for CTGs
- Indications and contraindications
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Harvesting Techniques
Duration:
3 Weeks
- Palatal anatomy and graft dimensions
- Single-incision and trap-door techniques
- Minimally invasive harvesting approaches
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Recipient Site Preparation and Graft Placement
Duration:
5 Weeks
- Flap design (e.g., coronally advanced flap)
- Microsurgical techniques and instrumentation
- Suturing and stabilization of grafts
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Clinical Outcomes and Case Studies
Duration:
4 Weeks
- Healing timeline and outcome expectations
- Esthetic evaluation and root coverage success
- Long-term maintenance and follow-up strategies
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a connective tissue graft?
A connective tissue graft involves transplanting tissue from beneath the surface of the palate to areas of gum recession to cover exposed roots and thicken the gum tissue.
How is this different from a free gingival graft?
Unlike a free gingival graft, which includes surface tissue, a CTG uses subepithelial tissue and is typically placed beneath a flap for better esthetic blending and root coverage.
Is the donor site more comfortable with CTGs?
Yes, since the outer layer of the palate remains largely intact, patients often experience less discomfort compared to free gingival grafts.
How successful are CTGs for root coverage?
CTGs are considered the gold standard for root coverage, with success rates often exceeding 90% in well-selected cases.
How long is the recovery period?
Initial healing usually takes 1 to 2 weeks, but complete tissue integration and aesthetic results may take 1 to 3 months.
