Alternative Gingival De-Epithelialization Techniques

Participants will be randomly assigned to one of four surgical techniques during their surgical procedure and the wound site will be assessed on post-operative days 1, 7, 14, and 21.

Researchers will compare the use of mucotome, Er:YAG laser, surgical diamond bur, or blade to observe patterns of wound healing and assess if one method is superior in terms of removing the epithelium.

Inclusion criteria

• American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Physical Status Classification I or II
• Subjects undergoing periodontal surgical procedures that involve harvesting of soft tissue samples, who have a treatment plan including the use or removal of keratinized mucosa or subepithelial connective tissue that will not require additional anesthesia for sample collection
• Adequate physical and mental health to undergo routine dental treatment
• Ability and willingness to follow instructions related to the study procedures

Exclusion criteria

• Poorly controlled diabetes, defined as HbA1c >/= 7.0
• Autoimmune or inflammatory conditions such as systemic lupus erythematous, rheumatoid arthritis.
• Pregnant women or nursing mothers, or unsure of pregnancy status (self-reported)
• Severe hematologic disorders, such as leukemia or hemophilia
• Subjects on anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy
• Local or systemic infection that may interfere with healing
• Hepatic or renal diseases
• Currently under cancer treatment or within 18 months from completion of radio- or chemotherapy
• History of antibiotic or immunosuppressant use in the last 3 months
• Subjects on concomitant drug therapy for systemic conditions that may affect outcomes of the study
• Current smokers (CDC definition): heavy smokers: subjects who have smoked >10 cigarettes per day within 6 months of study onset, and have smoked >100 cigarettes in their lifetime