A comparative evaluation of autogenous and non-autogenous graft application in terms of VAS and patient satisfaction scores

Objective: The aim of this clinical study was to compare postoperative outcomes, postoperative pain and satisfaction, in patients receiving autogenous versus non-autogenous bone grafts during multiple oral reconstructive surgery procedures. Materials and Methods: 100 patients (53 female, 47 male; mean age 53.3±12.0 years) were included at Pamukkale University, with 50 treated with autogenous grafts intraorally harvested and 50 with non-autogenous materials (allografts, xenografts, or alloplasts). Procedures performed on the patients included implant placement, ridge augmentation, sinus floor elevation, socket preservation, and periodontal bone surgery. Postoperative pain was assessed daily for 14 days using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and satisfaction was assessed at 2 weeks on a 0 to 10 scale. Analgesic use, complication, and time of surgery were also recorded. Results: Demographic information were comparable between groups except for income level and jaw region distribution (p0.05). Mean scores for satisfaction were equally high (autogenous: 6.94; non-autogenous: 7.3; P=0.201). Surgical time was virtually identical (53.6±15.1 vs. 54.3±15.9 min; P=0.871). Rates of complications did not differ significantly between groups. Conclusion: Autogenous and non-autogenous grafts yielded comparable short-term outcomes for pain, satisfaction, operating time, and complications. Socioeconomic status influenced graft choice but not demographic status. Clinically, graft selection has to be individualized, with non-autogenous materials providing safe alternatives that reduce donor site morbidity without compromising patient-centered outcomes.