Free Gingival Graft Patients' Treatment Perception and Experience: a Retrospective Survey.

NCT07568327 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: 145/2025
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 77
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Free gingival graft (FGG) is a common and effective periodontal procedure used to improve gum health; however, it can involve challenges such as postoperative pain and discomfort due to the requirement of a secondary donor site. While clinical outcomes are well-documented, long-term patient perceptions and overall satisfaction levels have not been sufficiently explored. The purpose of this retrospective study is to systematically evaluate patient experiences, satisfaction levels, and the willingness to undergo the procedure again in individuals who underwent FGG surgery at least one year ago.

Conditions

Free Gingival Graft; Survey and Questionnaire; Postoperative Pain

Keywords

Free gingival graft; Pain; Survey

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Patient Satisfaction and Willingness to Undergo the Procedure Again

  This measure evaluates the overall satisfaction of patients who underwent Free Gingival Graft (FGG) surgery and their willingness to repeat the procedure if necessary in the future. The assessment is conducted through a semi-structured retrospective telephone survey that covers postoperative pain, complications, aesthetic perception, and overall treatment experience.

  At least 1 year post-operation (Range: 1 to 11 years, based on surgeries performed between January 2014 and May 2024).

Study Arms (1)

Free Gingival Graft Patients

Patients who underwent free gingival graft (FGG) surgery at the Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, Istanbul Aydın University, between January 2014 and May 2024

Procedure: Free Gingival Graft

Interventions

Free Gingival Graft PROCEDURE

A surgical procedure performed to increase the amount of keratinised gingival tissue and improve periodontal health. The study examines the postoperative experiences and satisfaction levels of patients who have undergone this procedure.

Free Gingival Graft Patients

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 80 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

The study population consists of patients who underwent Free Gingival Graft (FGG) surgery at the Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, Istanbul Aydın University, between January 2014 and May 2024. Potential participants were identified through a retrospective screening of institutional archive records based on the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria

You may qualify if:

• Individuals who underwent Free Gingival Graft (FGG) surgery at Istanbul Aydin University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Periodontology; who accurately remember the surgical site and grant permission to use their patient records containing demographic and surgical data.
• Patients who have undergone periodontal plastic surgery due to an FGG procedure only once.
• Patients whose records contain complete information regarding the graft harvesting technique from the palatal donor site, including the date of the procedure and any complications within the first month following surgery.
• Patients who have not previously undergone any other surgical procedure in the palatal region.

You may not qualify if:

• Individuals who have not undergone FGG surgery.
• Patients who have undergone periodontal plastic surgery more than once.
• Patients who underwent FGG surgery but have missing or incomplete information in their medical records.
• Patients who have previously undergone any other surgical procedure in the palatal region.
• Patients who have previously received a different periodontal surgical treatment in the area where the relevant teeth are located.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Istanbul Aydın University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Istanbul Aydin University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Periodontology

Istanbul, Turkey, 34295, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

Related Publications (13)

• Tavelli L, Barootchi S, Di Gianfilippo R, Kneifati A, Majzoub J, Stefanini M, Zucchelli G, Wang HL. Patient experience of autogenous soft tissue grafting has an implication for future treatment: A 10- to 15-year cross-sectional study. J Periodontol. 2021 May;92(5):637-647. doi: 10.1002/JPER.20-0350. Epub 2020 Oct 3.

  PMID: 32946124 BACKGROUND

• Curtis JW Jr, McLain JB, Hutchinson RA. The incidence and severity of complications and pain following periodontal surgery. J Periodontol. 1985 Oct;56(10):597-601. doi: 10.1902/jop.1985.56.10.597.

  PMID: 3863909 BACKGROUND

• Wessel JR, Tatakis DN. Patient outcomes following subepithelial connective tissue graft and free gingival graft procedures. J Periodontol. 2008 Mar;79(3):425-30. doi: 10.1902/jop.2008.070325.

  PMID: 18315424 BACKGROUND

• Griffin TJ, Cheung WS, Zavras AI, Damoulis PD. Postoperative complications following gingival augmentation procedures. J Periodontol. 2006 Dec;77(12):2070-9. doi: 10.1902/jop.2006.050296.

  PMID: 17209793 BACKGROUND

• Brasher WJ, Rees TD, Boyce WA. Complications of free grafts of masticatory mucosa. J Periodontol. 1975 Mar;46(3):133-8. doi: 10.1902/jop.1975.46.3.133.

  PMID: 1079047 BACKGROUND

• MILLER JR PD. Root coverage grafting for regeneration and aesthetics. Periodontology 2000. 1993;1(1):118-27.

  BACKGROUND

• Agudio G, Nieri M, Rotundo R, Cortellini P, Pini Prato G. Free gingival grafts to increase keratinized tissue: a retrospective long-term evaluation (10 to 25 years) of outcomes. J Periodontol. 2008 Apr;79(4):587-94. doi: 10.1902/jop.2008.070414.

  PMID: 18380550 BACKGROUND

• Corn H. Periosteal separation-its clinical significance. The Journal of Periodontology. 1962;33(2):140-53

  BACKGROUND

• Lang NP, Loe H. The relationship between the width of keratinized gingiva and gingival health. J Periodontol. 1972 Oct;43(10):623-7. doi: 10.1902/jop.1972.43.10.623. No abstract available.

  PMID: 4507712 BACKGROUND

• Carranza FA Jr, Carraro JJ. Mucogingival techniques in periodontal surgery. J Periodontol. 1970 May;41(5):294-9. doi: 10.1902/jop.1970.41.5.294. No abstract available.

  PMID: 5267748 BACKGROUND

• Miller PD Jr. Regenerative and reconstructive periodontal plastic surgery. Mucogingival surgery. Dent Clin North Am. 1988 Apr;32(2):287-306.

  PMID: 3288514 BACKGROUND

• Camargo PM, Melnick PR, Kenney EB. The use of free gingival grafts for aesthetic purposes. Periodontol 2000. 2001;27:72-96. doi: 10.1034/j.1600-0757.2001.027001072.x. No abstract available.

  PMID: 11551301 BACKGROUND

• Glossary of periodontal terms: American Academy of Periodontology; 1992.

  BACKGROUND

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Pain, Postoperative; Pain

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Postoperative Complications; Pathologic Processes; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms; Neurologic Manifestations; Signs and Symptoms

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: CASE ONLY
• Time Perspective: RETROSPECTIVE
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Associate Professor

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: April 28, 2026
• First Posted: May 5, 2026
• Study Start: June 27, 2025
• Primary Completion: September 30, 2025
• Study Completion: September 30, 2025
• Last Updated: May 5, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-04

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)