Assessment of Self-Reported Periodontal Aesthetic, Quality of Life and Dental Anxiety after Free Gingival Graft Procedures

Introduction: Gingival recessions, which are very common mucogingival deformities, affect the function as well as the esthetic appearance of the patients, especially when localized or common in the anterior teeth. Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate self-reported periodontal aesthetics, quality of life and anxiety after the free gingival graft. Materials and Methods: Thirty-nine subjects with gingival recession were treated surgically and followed up for 6 months. Vertical recession and keratinized tissue width were assessed before and after treatment. Patients were asked to answer the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) -14, the Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS), and the Periodontal Aesthetic Perception Scale (PAPS) at the baseline, at 1 and 6 months. Results: Average keratinized tissue width significantly increased from baseline to land 6 months (p<0.05). At the same time, vertical recession significantly decreased from baseline to 1 and 6 months (p<0.0.5). in addition, PAPS scores and Psychological effect and aesthetic effect subscales, OHIP-14 and DAS scores showed a statistically significant difference between at baseline to 6 months (p<0.05). Conclusion: Free gingival graft operation can improve patients' self-reported periodontal aesthetic and quality of life, as well as reduce patients' dental anxiety.