Connective Tissue Graft
A surgical procedure in which subepithelial connective tissue, typically harvested from the palate, is transplanted to augment gingival volume or cover exposed root surfaces.
Full Definition
The connective tissue graft (CTG) is widely regarded as the gold standard for root coverage and gingival augmentation procedures in periodontics. The donor tissue — the subepithelial connective tissue layer beneath the palatal mucosa — is placed beneath a recipient-site flap, allowing dual blood supply and predictable healing. Editors working on periodontal surgical reports must distinguish CTG from the free gingival graft, in which the entire epithelium-plus-connective-tissue unit is harvested. CTG is also referred to as the 'subepithelial connective tissue graft' (SCTG) in the literature; both forms may appear in the same manuscript. Hyphenation is not required in the full form but is sometimes applied in adjectival use ('connective-tissue graft procedure').
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish clearly from 'free gingival graft' (FGG), which includes the epithelial layer. The abbreviation 'CTG' is acceptable after first-use definition. The expanded form 'subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG)' is preferred in research contexts.
In Context
- "A connective tissue graft was performed to achieve root coverage on the buccal aspect of tooth 23, with 95% coverage at six-month follow-up." — Periodontal surgical case report
- "The manuscript uses 'CTG' and 'SCTG' interchangeably; the editor should standardize to one form throughout." — Editorial revision note