Open Access

Ulrich Hansmeier, Peter Eickholz

• 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&#8201;mm was reduced by 1.2±0.9&#8201;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.