Abstract
Free gingival grafting, the most predictable technique to increase the keratinized gingiva, leaves an open wound on the palate and the resulting discomfort during the healing phase is a significant concern. This study was intended to evaluate the effect of topical erythropoietin on healing of the donor site. Twelve patients lacking an attached gingiva at two sites in the mandible were included. In the test group, 1 mL of gel containing erythropoietin at a concentration of 4,000 IU mL-1 was applied to the donor site, whereas the control group was treated with 2 mL of the gel alone. On the second day after surgery, the same procedure was repeated. H2O2 was used to evaluate the amount of epithelialization. Clinical healing was compared using photographs and direct examination. The EPO group showed significantly better keratinization only on day 21. Comparison of clinical healing based on direct examination revealed significantly better healing in the test group on day 28. Furthermore, inflammation in the test group was lower than in the control group on the same day. Topical application of EPO improves palatal wound healing during the third and fourth weeks after free gingival graft procedures.
Highlights
Submitted: October 08, 2017 Accepted for publication: April 10, 2018 Last revision: May 09, 2018A free gingival graft is considered to be the most reliable method of increasing the attached gingiva, and is one of the most frequently-used technique.[1,2] This treatment modality is used to increase the keratinized gingiva, prevent and treat gingival recession, improve esthetics, reduce or eliminate root hypersensitivity, increase the vestibular depth and ameliorate pigmented and pathologic oral mucosa.[3,4,5,6] Harvesting a free palatal graft leaves an open wound at the donor site, which takes two to four weeks to heal.[7]
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of EPO treatment on palatal wound healing subsequent to free gingival grafting
Participants’ demographics Twelve patients, aged between 30 and 53 years, with a mean age of 44.58 ± 7.5 were evaluated for 28 days postoperatively (Figure 2)
Summary
A free gingival graft is considered to be the most reliable method of increasing the attached gingiva, and is one of the most frequently-used technique.[1,2] This treatment modality is used to increase the keratinized gingiva, prevent and treat gingival recession, improve esthetics, reduce or eliminate root hypersensitivity, increase the vestibular depth and ameliorate pigmented and pathologic oral mucosa.[3,4,5,6] Harvesting a free palatal graft leaves an open wound at the donor site, which takes two to four weeks to heal.[7] Patients’ post-operative pain and discomfort and the delayed wound healing in the palate is a great concern.[1,8]. There have been several animal studies as well as human Randomized Clinical Trials (RCTs) which aimed to alleviate patient morbidity. Low-powered laser treatment,[9] topical ozonated oil,[10] platelet-rich plasma[11] and Platelet- rich Fibrin (PRF)[12] have resulted in faster healing and less pain in patients.
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