Blood flow of free gingival grafts measured by xenon-133 clearance.

Blood circulation of free gingival grafts by Xe-133 clearance was evaluated in this study with special attention to the relationship between the amount of circulation and graft thickness, surface area and contraction during the initial healing phase. Following baseline clinical examination and initial periodontal therapy, 32 patients received mucogingival surgery with free gingival grafts for treatment of insufficient attached gingiva. Blood flow in recipient and donor areas was measured by injection of Xe-133. Xenon clearance in the free gingival grafts was measured at the first, tenth, twentieth, and fortieth days. Mean blood flow was observed to decrease on the first day and then gradually increased at 10 and 20 days and finally reached the initial value of the recipient area on the fortieth day. It was observed that circulation in the grafted tissue was positively correlated with graft thickness, but negatively correlated with graft contraction during healing.