Alternative Gingival De-Epithelialization Techniques

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare different de-epithelialization methods in patients undergoing soft tissue augmentation surgery. The main questions it aims to answer are: • Which technique is superior for de-epithelialization in terms of remaining epithelium, wound healing of the donor site, and clinical outcomes?

Inclusion Criteria: * American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Physical Status Classification I or II * Subjects undergoing periodontal surgical procedures that involve harvesting of soft tissue samples, who have a treatment plan including the use or removal of keratinized mucosa or subepithelial connective tissue that will not require additional anesthesia for sample collection * Adequate physical and mental health to undergo routine dental treatment * Ability and willingness to follow instructions related to the study procedures Exclusion Criteria: * Poorly controlled diabetes, defined as HbA1c \>/= 7.0 * Autoimmune or inflammatory conditions such as systemic lupus erythematous, rheumatoid arthritis. * Pregnant women or nursing mothers, or unsure of pregnancy status (self-reported) * Severe hematologic disorders, such as leukemia or hemophilia * Subjects on anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy * Local or systemic infection that may interfere with healing * Hepatic or renal diseases * Currently under cancer treatment or within 18 months from completion of radio- or chemotherapy * History of antibiotic or immunosuppressant use in the last 3 months * Subjects on concomitant drug therapy for systemic conditions that may affect outcomes of the study * Current smokers (CDC definition): heavy smokers: subjects who have smoked \>10 cigarettes per day within 6 months of study onset, and have smoked \>100 cigarettes in their lifetime