protection of the palatal wound is an essential step following harvesting a palatal soft tissue graft. During the last decades, several materials were used to avoid protect against the post-operative problems as bleeding, pain and possible infections. The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to assess the usage of polypropylene mesh, compared to the conventional custom-made acrylic stent for efficacy in protection of the palatal wound and reducing the bleeding tendency and post-operative pain. propylene mesh is a promising material for protection of the palatal wound due to its light weight, limited bacterial wicking, tissue compatible properties, however, the custom made acrylic palatal stent provides a more precise mechanical . More studies are required to deeply assess the benefits of this material in the periodontal plastic surgeries.

Background: protection of the palatal wound is an essential step following harvesting a palatal soft tissue graft. During the last decades, several materials were used to avoid protect against the post-operative problems as bleeding, pain and possible infections. The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to assess the usage of polypropylene mesh, compared to the conventional custom-made acrylic stent for efficacy in protection of the palatal wound and reducing the bleeding tendency and post-operative pain.

Patients and methods: A single blinded, parallel group randomized controlled trial took place. Twenty sites were approved to be treated using soft tissue grafting technique with the need for a palatally harvested free graft. The palatal wounds were protected with propylene mesh and custom-made acrylic palatal sten. Participants were qualitatively assessed for bleeding duration, bleeding amount, pain duration, infection possibility, inflammation at 2, 4, 6, 8, 14 days post-operatively. The patient acceptance was also evaluated.

Inclusion Criteria:medically free, above 18 years old, non-smokers with healthy reduced periodontium (free of any active disease either gingivitis or periodontitis) -

Exclusion Criteria:During selection, smokers, medically compromised, pregnant and lactating mothers, patients with gagging reflex, incompliant patients, presence of periodontal disease, presence of fixed orthodontic palatal appliance were excluded

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if the polypropylene mesh could be used as a palatal protector for the palatal wound following harvesting of a soft tissue graft