October 2022

Aim: The study aimed to qualitatively evaluate the somatosensory profile in the recipient and palatal donor sites after root coverage by subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG). Materials and Methods: This preliminary observational case-control study included patients submitted to SCTG, after 6 months postoperatively (case-G6, palate and recipient sites), homologous non operated areas were selected for directly comparison (HNO site), and a complementary group that was not submitted to SCTG (control-G0) was selected to validate the measurements protocols. The qualitative sensory test (QualST), Douleur Neuropathique 4 questionnaire (DN4), and Two-point test were performed. The participant discriminated the areas into hypersensitive, hyposensitive, or normal sensitive. Results: In the G6 group, the QualST test based in patient self-report after stimuli in comparison to G6 versus HNO areas, showed significant differences in pressure hyposensitivity in recipient sites and thermal and tactile hyposensitivity in donor sites (p=0.04). There were no significant differences in sensory acuity by the Two-point test. Comparisons in control G0 group did not present changes, and normal sensitivity was reported. The DN4 questionnaire revealed normal sensitivity in grafted and palatal donor sites. Conclusion: This preliminary study reinforces the positive results of periodontal plastic surgery using SCTG, not reporting significant somatosensory changes.