Evaluation of the effect of free gingival graft operations on patients' quality of life comparison with clinical parameters

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of free gingival graft (FGG) operation on patient's quality of life (QoL) in one month after operation and to determine the relationship between the pain state and anxiety. The QoL of 36 patients was assessed using the General Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) and Oral Health Impact Profil (OHIP-14) before surgery (baseline) and first 7 days, first month postoperatively. The level of pre-operative anxiety was determined with the State and Trait Anxiety Inventory. Pain level was assessed by Visual Analog Scale for the first 7 days postoperatively. FGG and recipient bed dimensions (vertical height and horizontal width), operation time were recorded. Plaque Index, Gingival Index and keratinized gingival width were recorded before operation and in the first month postoperatively. According to the result of evaluation of both scales; the QoL of patients is affected negatively for first three days postoperatively with respect to baseline. The QoL of patients at 1th month showed a positive alteration compared to the baseline and first 5 days postoperatively. The most negative effect was seen in the functional limitation category for the first 6 days after the operation. The increase of the horizontal width of graft was found to be effective increase of functional limitation, increasing of vertical height was found to be effective on pain between 4-7 days. For the first postoperative day, the increase in pain level, decrease in quality of life and increase in analgesic consumption were seen most apparent. High preoperative anxiety level negatively affected the QoL of patients, especially pain and psychological impact categories, continued to be effective at first month, and increased analgesic consumption for the first three days. The QoL of smokers, female patients and patients with implants were found to be more adversely affected than the other groups. The use of oral health-related QoL measures in evaluating the QoL after FGG surgery may be considered as an alternative method.