Impact of Preoperative Anxiety on Postoperative Quality of Life After Free Gingival Graft Surgery

This study investigates the effect of free gingival graft (FGG) surgery on patients' oral health-related quality of life (QoL) during the first postoperative month and evaluates the role of preoperative anxiety on postoperative QoL outcomes. Thirty-six participants indicated for FGG surgery due to insufficient keratinized gingiva were included. The Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) was administered preoperatively, daily during the first postoperative week, and at one month. Preoperative anxiety levels were assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S and STAI-T). Postoperative pain was evaluated with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for seven days. Demographic and lifestyle variables, including age, gender, educational status, marital status, and smoking status, were recorded. Clinical parameters such as plaque and gingival indices and keratinized tissue width were measured preoperatively and one month postoperatively. Intraoperative surgical data, including graft vertical height, horizontal width, thickness, and recipient site dimensions, were documented. Statistical analysis will determine the relationship between preoperative anxiety and postoperative QoL, as well as the influence of surgical and demographic factors on patient-reported outcomes.