GRAFT: FREE SOFT TISSUE AUTOGRAFT (FSTA)

Surgical procedure in which both epithelial and subepithelial soft tissues are transplanted from one area of the oral cavity to another.  The procedure involves two surgical sites. The recipient site utilizes a full or split thickness incision, removing the overlying flap of gingiva, keratinized tissue or mucosa. The transplanted tissue (free soft tissue autograft) is dissected from a separate donor site and includes an epithelialized surface. The donor site is an open wound and heals by secondary intention. Typically, the graft contains both the entire thickness of the epithelium in addition to a layer of connective tissue, however it may also contain salivary gland tissue, adipose tissue, and/or periosteum. Formerly referred to as a free gingival graft (FGG).  A FSTA can be placed on a tooth, at an implant site or an edentulous tooth position on the ridge or alveolar bone.