Epithelialized gingival graft (EGG) harvesting from the palate is associated with postoperative morbidity, including pain and bleeding, due to healing by secondary intention. The effectiveness of palatal stents in reducing donor-site morbidity, particularly in suture-free techniques, remains unclear. This randomized controlled clinical trial evaluates the effect of a custom-made acrylic palatal stent (APS) compared with no stent on postoperative outcomes following EGG harvesting. The primary outcome is postoperative pain assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes include other patient-reported measures, clinician-reported healing, and exploratory assessments of tissue healing.
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Postoperative pain at the palatal donor site
Timeframe: 7 days after surgery