There is no study in the literature showing the effects of Zn on wound healing after free gingival graft (FGG) operation. The aim of this randomized clinical study was to compare the early healing results of the palatal wound after FGG harvesting by sterile hemostatic agent suturing or the use of surgical stent from thermoplastic Zn-containing granules which was prepared chairside.
There are many studies reporting paresthesia, herpetic lesion, mucocele, excessive bleeding and severe postoperative pain after procedure.The highest pain level perceived in the palatal region after the FGG operation is experienced on the first day after the operation and decreases to the preoperative levels approximately 2 weeks after the operation. Although hemostatics, bioactive substances, antibacterial and antiseptic agents, herbal effective products, platelet concentrations, low-dose laser applications, palatal stents are used in the palatal region to accelerate the healing stages and prevent such complications, an ideal support has not been found.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
60
Immediately after FGG harvesting from the palatal tissue, homeostasis was achieved by sterile wet gauzes and the ZnG was prepared according to the manufacturer guidelines. Briefly, approximately 10 grams of granulate was poured into hot water and then manually shaped to cover the surgical area. The retention was achieved from the palatal, occlusal and buccal surfaces of the teeth. The patient was asked to wear the ZnG for 7 days except for eating.(
Immediately after FGG harvesting from the palatal tissue, homeostasis was achieved by sterile wet gauzes. Then hemostatic agent containing cellulose were sutured on the palatal wound area with 4.0 vicryl sutures in this group. Sutures were removed after 7 days.
Cukurova University Faculty of Dentistry
Adana, Turkey (Türkiye)
Post-operative pain
Pain was scored from 0 to 10 experienced by the patients as a result of palatal wound (0: no pain, 1: minimal pain, 10: severe pain).
Time frame: post operative 8 weeks
Bleeding
Bleeding of the palatal wound was described as prolonged hemorrhaging after the surgery and was recorded 'yes' or 'no'
Time frame: post operative 7 days
Burning sensation
BS was assessed as the level of sense of burning of the palatal wound via Visual Analogue Scale (0:absent 10:severe burning)
Time frame: post operative 8 weeks
Change in dietary habits
evaluated according to inability to chew resulting from the presence of the palatal wound via Visual Analogue Scale (0: no changes 10: not capable of eating)
Time frame: post operative 8 weeks
Complete epithelization
evaluated clinically with the 3% Hydrogen Peroxide test. While the H2O2 epithelial barrier is intact, it doesn't diffuse into the connective tissue, and oxygen isn't released. The absence of bubbles after H2O2 application was considered as CE positive, and CE was recorded as a triple variable
Time frame: post-operative 8 weeks
Patient discomfort
PD was assessed by application of air spray for 5 seconds over the palatal site and then patients scored the VAS considering sensitive function (0: no discomfort, 10: extreme).
Time frame: post-operative 8 weeks
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.