Effect of Root Coverage on Oral Health Impact Profile (G49): A Pilot Study

Abstract

Purpose . The aim of this prospective longitudinal clinical pilot study was the evaluation of the effect on the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) and patient-centered results of the envelope technique for Connective Tissue Graft (CTG). Methods . Sixteen patients (11 females) 24 to 71 years of age () received CTG that had been harvested from the palate and grafted using the envelope technique. Prior to and 3 months after surgery, all patients were examined clinically, completed the OHIP-G49 questionnaire, and were asked to judge the results of surgery. Results . Mean baseline recession depth of mm was reduced by mm (). Root coverage amounted to %. In 5 of 16 defects complete root coverage was achieved. Pain at the donor site was more pronounced than at recipient site regarding prevalence (8/6; ), intensity ( [visual analogue scale]; ), and duration ( days; ). Baseline OHIP () was decreased by three months after surgery (). Thirteen patients (81%) would undergo CTG surgery for similar reasons again. Conclusions . Root coverage using CTG according to the envelope technique provided improvement of OHIP as early as 3 months after surgery. Over all, patients were reasonably satisfied with the surgical technique and its results.