The Palatal masticatory mucosa was widely used as a donor site in periodontal and implant surgery. but there were relatively few studies investigating the thickness of the palatal mucosa in dentate subjects. The purpose of this study was to study the thickness of palatal masticatory mucosa in korean subjects by direct clinical technique.

Forty systemically and periodontally healthy subjects(20 males:20 females) participated in this study. A bone sounding method using a periodontal probe with minimal anesthesia and a prepared clear acrylic stent was utilized to assess the thickness of palatal mucosa at 24 measurement points defined according to the gingival margin and mid palatal suture.

The results are as follows;

1. Mean thickness of palatal masticatory mucosa was 3.5±0.4mm. and no gender differences were identified in the thickness of palatal masticatory mucosa.

2. The thickness of palatal masticatory mucosa increased from canine to second molar area(with the exception of the first molar area). canine and first molar areas were significantly thinner than other areas(P<0.05).

3. The thickness of palatal masticatory mucosa significantly increased in the sites farther from the gingival margin towarding the mid-palate(P<0.05).

The results suggest that within the limits of the present study, premolar area appears to be the most appropriate donor site for soft tissue grafting procedures.