Effects of CGF and Collagen Fleece on Palatal Donor Site Healing: A Randomized Clinical Trial

This study investigated whether applying Concentrated Growth Factor (CGF) or Collagen Fleece (CF) to the palatal donor site after autogenous soft tissue graft harvesting could improve wound healing and reduce postoperative discomfort. The palatal donor site often requires several weeks to heal, and patients may experience pain, delayed epithelialization, and difficulty in daily oral functions. Biologically active materials such as CGF and collagen-based dressings may help accelerate tissue repair and improve patient comfort. A total of 38 systemically healthy adults requiring soft tissue graft harvesting were enrolled and assigned to three groups: CGF, CF, or control. In all groups, the applied material was stabilized with sutures and covered with an oral wound dressing. Palatal tissue thickness was measured at baseline and at 1, 3, and 6 months. Wound healing was evaluated on postoperative days 3, 7, and 14 and at 1 month using standardized clinical indices. Patient-reported outcomes, including pain, analgesic use, and oral health-related quality of life, were also recorded. The study aims to determine whether CGF or CF provides superior healing, better preservation of palatal tissue thickness, and reduced postoperative morbidity compared with spontaneous healing. Findings from this trial may help clinicians select supportive materials that enhance donor-site healing and improve patient comfort after periodontal soft tissue graft procedures.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥18 years * Systemically healthy individuals * Good oral hygiene * Stable periodontal condition * Indication for mucogingival surgery requiring autogenous soft tissue grafting * Free gingival graft or de-epithelialized free gingival graft combined with either a coronally advanced flap or tunnel technique Exclusion Criteria: * Smoking * Pregnancy or lactation * Systemic diseases affecting wound healing * Use of medications known to interfere with healing * History of radiotherapy or chemotherapy * Poor oral hygiene or uncontrolled periodontal disease * Concomitant bone surgery or implant placement * Surgical duration exceeding 2 hours