Is There a Difference in Postoperative Pain After Harvesting a Palatal Soft Tissue Graft Aiming for Primary Versus Secondary Intention Healing? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objectives

To evaluate the effect of surgical technique on postoperative pain at the palatal donor site after harvesting a soft tissue graft. Material and methods: A literature search with the following eligibility criteria was conducted: English language; (randomized) controlled clinical trials (RCT/CT); assessment of pain (including morbidity and discomfort), either directly or via surrogate measures, at the palatal donor site; and comparison of two harvesting techniques (i.e., harvesting a soft tissue graft either involving primary [PIH] or secondary intention healing [SIH]).