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

Abstract EN

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 (42.6±11.1) 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 2.5±0.8 mm was reduced by 1.2±0.9 mm (P<.001).

Root coverage amounted to 48±39%.

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; P=.007), intensity (2.1±2.3/1.1±1.9 [visual analogue scale]; P=.016), and duration (1.4±2.3/0.8±1.4 days; P=.042).

Baseline OHIP (15.7±12.1) was decreased by 3.6±8.5 three months after surgery (P=.139).

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.