Histologic and histomorphometric analysis of connective tissue grafts harvested by the parallel incision method: a pilot randomized controlled trial comparing macro- and microsurgical approaches.

Objective: The aim of this pilot randomized controlled trial was to assess the efficacy of macro- and microsurgical procedures in removing the epithelial tissue layer of subepithelial connective grafts (SCTGs) harvested by the parallel incision method.

Method And Materials: Sixteen patients were randomized to receive macro-SCTG harvesting (n = 10, control group) or micro-SCTG harvesting (n = 10, test group) by the parallel incision technique. Histologic and histomorphometric analysis of the SCTG evaluated the percentage remnant of epithelium and connective tissue.