Histologic and histomorphometric analyses of de-epithelialized free gingival graft in humans

A graft's histologic composition depends on the harvesting technique used, and different connective tissue-harvesting procedures have been described in the literature. Some authors suggest the submucosal tissue not be incorporated into the graft because it may interfere with the graft revascularization. In those cases, the de-epithelialized gingival graft (DGG) is obtained with a superficial harvesting technique that leaves the deep portion of the submucosa and the periosteum excluded from the graft. The aim of this case series was to histologically and histomorphometrically evaluate the tissue obtained with this technique. The findings demonstrated that the DGG was mainly composed of connective tissue, and adipose tissue was in minimal proportions. However, epithelium was found in all of the samples.