Palatal Wound Healing After Free Gingival Graft Surgery
The Effect of Topical Triamcinolone Acetonide Application on Wound Healing in the Palatal Donor Site Following Free Gingival Graft Surgery
Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University
34 participants
Jan 2, 2026
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
This randomized controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate the effects of topical triamcinolone acetonide application on wound healing and patient-reported outcomes at the palatal donor site following free gingival graft (FGG) surgery. A total of 36 patients with mucogingival deficiencies requiring FGG will be randomly assigned to either a control group receiving a collagen hemostatic sponge or a test group receiving topical triamcinolone acetonide at the donor site. All palatal donor areas will be protected with a periodontal dressing. Clinical assessments will be performed on postoperative days 7, 14, and 30. Wound epithelialization will be evaluated using the hydrogen peroxide bubbling test, while wound healing and scar formation will be assessed using the Landry, Turnbull, and Howley index and the modified Manchester Scar Scale, respectively. Patient-centered outcomes, including postoperative pain, discomfort, analgesic consumption, and oral health-related quality of life, will be assessed using visual analog scales and the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 questionnaire. The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence regarding the potential benefits of topical corticosteroid use in reducing palatal donor site morbidity following FGG surgery.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria5
- Adults aged 18 years and older
- Patients presenting with insufficient attached gingiva and/or gingival recession requiring free gingival graft surgery
- Systemically healthy individuals (ASA I)
- Full-mouth plaque score (FMPS) \< 15% and full-mouth bleeding score (FMBS) \< 15% at the time of surgery
- Ability and willingness to provide written informed consent and comply with study procedures
Exclusion Criteria7
- Presence of systemic diseases that may affect wound healing (e.g., diabetes mellitus, immunological disorders)
- Use of systemic corticosteroids, immunosuppressive drugs, or anti-inflammatory medications within the last 3 months
- Current smokers or tobacco users
- Pregnancy or lactation
- History of periodontal surgery at the palatal donor site
- Presence of active infection, ulceration, or pathological lesions at the palatal donor area
- Known allergy or hypersensitivity to corticosteroids, collagen materials, or study-related medications
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Interventions
A collagen hemostatic absorbable sponge will be applied to the palatal donor site following free gingival graft harvesting to control bleeding and support wound healing. The donor area will be covered with sterile aluminum foil and a periodontal dressing.
Topical triamcinolone acetonide will be applied to the palatal donor site following free gingival graft harvesting to reduce postoperative inflammation and improve wound healing. The donor area will be covered with sterile aluminum foil and a periodontal dressing.
Locations(1)
View Full Details on ClinicalTrials.gov
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NCT07409571