Chemically separated connective tissue grafts: clinical application and histological evaluation.

Subepithelial palatal connective tissue grafts, separated from the epithelium either chemically (n = 5) or surgically (n = 2) were inserted in patients presenting with gingival recession. Biopsies at the grafted tissue and a portion of non-keratinized mucosa were taken 12 months later. Histology showed keratinization of the newly formed epithelium, and interestingly a deep projection of epithelium into the connective tissue in almost all biopsies, sometimes with an enlargement and a cyst-like space.