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

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.