Palatal Wound Healing After Free Gingival Graft Surgery

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 55 patients with mucogingival deficiencies requiring FGG will be randomly assigned to either a control group receiving a collagen membrane 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 3, 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.