Harvesting Free Palatal Masticatory Mucosal Graft Using 3a Mucotome

Abstract

Introduction: Free masticatory mucosal grafts are frequently being used in various indications during periodontal plastic surgeries. It can be procured from donor site, usually the palate, using scalpels, gingivectomy knife or palatal shaving knife. However, drawbacks of previous methods for procuring free masticatory mucosal graft motivated the idea to utilize a new device to obtain a more uniform graft with lesser time and efforts. Aims and objective: This article intend to discuss the technical details and clinical application of the proposed ‘3A mucotome’ in two cases having gingival recession with associated mucogingival deformity. Case series: Post-operative follow-up of two cases, at 1.5 and 1 year respectively, showed satisfactory increase in width of attached gingiva and root coverage. Conclusion: The wider range of blade adaptation to the palate was the main thrust of this device modification. In addition to this, the precise cutting of the instrument and satisfactory control over its movement produced grafts of uniform thickness and without macrolacerations.