Healing the palatal donor site after a free gingival graft using a topical steroid
The Effect of Topical Triamcinolone Acetonide Application on Wound Healing in the Palatal Donor Site Following Free Gingival Graft Surgery
This trial will test whether applying topical triamcinolone acetonide to the palatal donor site helps adults having free gingival graft surgery heal faster and with less pain than a standard collagen sponge.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 34 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kahramanmaraş, Kahramanmaraş) |
| Trial ID | NCT07409571 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
In this randomized controlled trial, 36 adults needing free gingival grafts are randomly assigned to receive either a collagen hemostatic sponge or topical triamcinolone acetonide at the palatal donor site, with all sites covered by a periodontal dressing. Clinical assessments occur on postoperative days 7, 14, and 30 and include epithelialization testing with hydrogen peroxide bubbling, wound healing scoring using the Landry, Turnbull, and Howley index, and scar evaluation with the modified Manchester Scar Scale. Patient-reported outcomes such as postoperative pain, discomfort, analgesic use, and oral health–related quality of life are recorded alongside clinical measures. The study excludes patients with systemic conditions affecting healing, recent corticosteroid use, tobacco use, pregnancy/lactation, prior palatal surgery, active palatal lesions, or known allergies to study materials.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18 and older who are systemically healthy (ASA I), have mucogingival deficiencies requiring a free gingival graft, low plaque and bleeding scores, and can attend follow-up visits are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with systemic diseases that impair healing (e.g., diabetes), current smokers, those on recent systemic corticosteroids or immunosuppressants, pregnant or lactating individuals, or anyone with allergy to corticosteroids or collagen materials are unlikely to benefit or are excluded.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, topical triamcinolone could reduce postoperative pain and accelerate epithelialization at the palatal donor site, improving comfort and recovery after free gingival grafts.
How similar studies have performed: Topical corticosteroids have shown benefit for oral inflammatory and ulcerative lesions, but clinical data specifically testing triamcinolone on palatal donor site healing after free gingival grafting are limited or lacking.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 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 Criteria: * 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
Where this trial is running
Kahramanmaraş, Kahramanmaraş
- Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University — Kahramanmaraş, Kahramanmaraş, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: esra bozkurt
- Email: dtesrabozkurt@gmail.com
- Phone: +905533618725
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.