Effect of topically-applied Hyaluronic-Acid on pain and palatal epithelial wound healing: An examiner-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial

There are numerous hemostatic agents have been used to reduce the post-operative complications like pain, burning sensation, and delayed wound healing. However, none of them has been emphasized as the ideal agent. Therefore, the results of this randomized study revealed that topical application of hyaluronic-acid shows significant impact on postoperative pain, burning sensation and wound healing.

To estimate the consequences of two distinct concentrations of topical Hyaluronic-acid on postoperative patient discomfort and wound healing of palatal donor sites after the free gingival graft (FGG) surgery.

A total of 36 participants requiring FGG were selected and randomised into three categories. Next to harvesting palatal grafts, test-1 and -2 groups involved 0.2% and 0.8% Hyaluronic-acid gels, respectively. Gels were employed on donor sites and preserved with periodontal dressing in the test groups whereas the wound was protected only with periodontal dressing in the control group. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to record pain and burning sensations on 3-7-14 and 21 days. Other parameters like colour match and complete epithelization (CE) also measured on 3-7-14-21-42 days.

As compared to the control group, test groups experienced less pain on 3rd and 7th day. On third day, the control group e3xhibited higher VAS score for burning sensation as compared to the tests groups. Patients of tests groups obtained CE on the 21st day whereas the patients of the control group achieved on the 42nd day. Further, the colour match scores were higher at 21st and 42nd day among both test groups as compared to the control group. 

Topical treatment of Hyaluronic-acid displays positive influence on burning sensation, postoperative pain and stimulates palatal wound healing concerning epithelization and colour match.