Introduction: Subepithelial connective tissue grafts (SCTGs) have been largely applied to cover exposed root surfaces resulting from gingival recessions. Besides treating gingival recessions, SCTGs are also employed in adjusting soft-tissue contours of restorations in edentulous areas, around dental implants, in ridge-preservation procedures with immediate implant placement as well as in papilla reconstruction. Despite the wide application of various xenogeneic grafts, which eliminate the formation of a second wound surface apart from the donor site, autogenous grafts remain the preferred material for soft-tissue contouring, especially in esthetically demanding regions and in restoration of the masticatory apparatus by fixed prosthetics.
Aim: The aim of this study is to review the most commonly employed techniques for the procurement and application of subepithelial grafts for gingival augmentation in alveolar ridge contouring, as well as to identify their advantages and disadvantages.
Materials and Methods: The present study relies on dental literature data available in PubMed and Google Scholar, from 1974 to 2019, published in the English language.
Results: The literature review is based on publications whose aim to observe the data provided information on the main techniques for harvesting subepithelial grafts, as well as their application specifications for soft-tissue augmentation in pre-prosthetic surgery.
Conclusion: The publications explored in the present study reveal that the presence of appropriate and affordable techniques for obtaining subepithelial grafts, both for contour correction and soft-tissue augmentation in localized areas around single teeth, particularly in areas of higher esthetic sensitivity. However, when larger transplants are needed, alternative methods are to be sought, particularly in cases where the palate has unfavorable anatomic characteristics or the palatal mucosal thickness is insufficient.
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