Page 43 - GTM-4-1

Global Translational Medicine

PERSPECTIVE ARTICLE
Patient-oriented and clinical considerations

supporting the single-incision subepithelial
connective tissue harvest

Han S. Kim 1 , Denise M. Cacho 1 , Alan R. George 1 , Joseph K. Retrum 2 ,
Carsen R. McDaniel 3 , Adam R. Lincicum 1 , Kimberly Ann Inouye 1 ,
1
Brian W. Stancoven 1 , and Thomas M. Johnson *
1 Department of Periodontics, Army Postgraduate Dental School, Postgraduate Dental College,
Uniformed Services University, Fort Eisenhower, Augusta, Georgia, United States of America
2 Department of Periodontics, United States Army Dental Activity, Fort Riley, Kansas, United States
of America
3 Department of Periodontics, Army Postgraduate Dental School, Postgraduate Dental College,
Uniformed Services University, Fort Bliss, El Paso, Texas, United States of America
(This article belongs to the Special Issue: Soft and Hard Tissues Reconstruction in Dentistry)

Abstract
The subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) has become the gold standard for
*Corresponding author: treating gingival recession. In addition, SCTG is a reliable technique for augmenting
Thomas M. Johnson
(thomas.m.johnson34.mil@health. the dimensions of attached gingiva and peri-implant mucosa, thereby supporting
mil) periodontal and peri-implant health and stability. Various autogenous soft-tissue
Citation: Kim HS, Cacho DM, harvesting techniques have been developed for use in periodontal plastic surgery,
George AR, et al. Patient-oriented each with its own set of advantages and limitations. Over the past 5 years, updated
and clinical considerations reviews of human palatal anatomy have influenced clinical decision-making
supporting the single-incision
subepithelial connective tissue regarding SCTG harvesting, expanding the safety zone for palatal SCTG procedures.
harvest. Global Transl Med. New histological and molecular findings have provided insights into the underlying
2025:4(1):35-46. mechanisms that may explain the observed differences in clinical outcomes based
doi: 10.36922/gtm.4860
on the harvesting method and graft type. The purpose of this paper is to recommend
Received: September 15, 2024 a preferred SCTG harvesting technique applicable to most cases and to identify
1st revised: November 10, 2024 specific clinical scenarios where available evidence may support the use of alternative
methods.
2nd revised: November 23, 2024
Accepted: November 25, 2024
Keywords: Clinical protocols; Esthetics; Palate; Hard; Patient satisfaction; Tissue
Published online: December 16, transplantation; Treatment outcome
2024
Copyright: © 2024 Author(s).
This is an Open-Access article
distributed under the terms of the
Creative Commons Attribution 1. Introduction
License, permitting distribution,
and reproduction in any medium, Compared to alternative treatment methods, subepithelial connective tissue graft
provided the original work is (SCTG)-based procedures are known to achieve complete root coverage most frequently,
properly cited. offer the highest average root coverage percentage, and provide the most favorable
1-3
Publisher’s Note: AccScience temporal stability of results. However, both patients and clinicians must make
Publishing remains neutral with concessions to attain this level of clinical predictability. Autologous soft-tissue harvesting
regard to jurisdictional claims in
published maps and institutional has been associated with postoperative complications such as prolonged bleeding,
affiliations. neurosensory dysfunction, flap necrosis, and discomfort, particularly when the operator

Volume 4 Issue 1 (2025) 35 doi: 10.36922/gtm.4860