Connective Tissue Graft
Also written as: CTG — Connective Tissue Graft
A segment of subepithelial connective tissue harvested—typically from the palate—and grafted around implants or teeth to augment soft-tissue volume and keratinized mucosa.
Full Definition
A connective tissue graft (CTG) is obtained by removing the subepithelial layer of the palatal mucosa, leaving the surface epithelium intact to facilitate donor-site healing. In implantology, CTGs are used to increase the width and thickness of keratinized peri-implant mucosa, correct soft-tissue deficiencies prior to or following implant placement, and improve esthetic outcomes by creating a natural emergence profile. Unlike free gingival grafts (FGGs), CTGs are placed beneath a flap, providing a dual blood supply that promotes graft survival. Editors should distinguish CTG from FGG and from bone grafts, which address hard-tissue rather than soft-tissue deficiencies.
Usage
Usage note: The abbreviation CTG is widely accepted in periodontology and implant literature; spell out in full on first use and thereafter abbreviate consistently within the same document.
In Context
- "A CTG was sutured into position buccal to the implant to increase mucosal thickness before final abutment selection." — Surgical case notes
- "The author used 'connective tissue graft' and 'free gingival graft' interchangeably, an error requiring correction during copyediting." — Editorial review comment