Honey-based dressing vs gelatin sponge for palatal wound healing after free gingival graft harvest: A randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND: Subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) is commonly used in dental procedures and is associated with postoperative discomfort at the palatal donor site. The question is whether the use of a honey-based dressing may improve patients' postoperative experience and promote wound healing. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of a non-adherent viscose net dressing coated with 99% Manuka honey and 1% Manuka oil (Actilite; Advancis Medical, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, UK) and an absorbable hemostatic porcine gelatin sponge (Aegis Lifesciences, Sanand, India) on the healing of the palatal donor site and patient morbidity after free gingival graft (FGG) preparation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 21 patients (16 females and 5 males) with multiple gingival recessions (GR) were treated using the modified coronally advanced tunnel technique (MCAT) and subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) following FGG de-epithelialization. Two grafts were harvested from both sides of the palate in each patient. Using a split-mouth design, donor sites were randomly assigned to the test group (honey dressing) or the control group (gelatin sponge). The palatal donor sites were evaluated at 1, 2, 4, 7, and 14 days postoperatively for pain, patient discomfort, changes in dietary habits, and burning sensation. Wound healing and delayed bleeding were assessed 2 weeks after surgery. RESULTS: In both the honey group and the gelatin sponge group, no significant differences were observed in postoperative pain, patient discomfort, burning sensation, or changes in dietary habits at 14 days postoperatively (p > 0.05). No prolonged bleeding was observed during the 2-week follow-up, and wound healing was assessed as "very good" after 14 days. CONCLUSIONS: Both dressing materials can be successfully used at the palatal donor site after periodontal surgery and result in comparable outcomes in wound healing. Honey dressing may be considered an alternative to traditional dressing methods.