Palatal Donor-Site Healing and Patient-Reported Outcome Measures Following Chitosan and Injectable Platelet-Rich Fibrin-Enriched Chitosan Application Compared with Gelatine Sponge: A Three-Arm Randomised Controlled Clinical Trial.

In 30 seconds

This three-arm randomised controlled clinical trial compared palatal healing after free gingival graft harvesting in 68 patients treated with a gelatine sponge, chitosan sponge, or injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF)-enriched chitosan sponge. Both chitosan groups had higher palatal early healing index scores, particularly on days 14 and 28, than the gelatine control (p < 0.001). At day 14, median scores were 8.0, 8.0, and 9.0, respectively. The i-PRF-enriched group also reported less early pain and burning and fewer dietary changes; bleeding and painkiller use were similar across groups.

Key findings

• Both chitosan groups had higher palatal early healing index scores than gelatine control, particularly on days 14 and 28 (p < 0.001).
• At day 14, median PEHI scores were 8.0 for control, 8.0 for chitosan, and 9.0 for i-PRF-enriched chitosan.
• The i-PRF-enriched chitosan group reported less early pain and burning and fewer dietary changes on days 3 and 7 (p < 0.05).
• Bleeding and painkiller consumption were similar among groups; both chitosan groups had better colour match than control on days 14, 28, and 56 (p < 0.001).

Why it matters

Palatal donor-site healing and postoperative symptoms can affect recovery after free gingival graft harvesting. The trial suggests chitosan may improve early clinical healing and colour match, while adding i-PRF may improve early patient-reported comfort. These outcomes provide comparative evidence for donor-site dressing approaches, although the reported benefits do not establish the biological mechanisms or longer-term tissue effects.

What to keep in mind

The study included 68 patients, and the authors state that histological and biomolecular assessments are needed to confirm the wound-healing findings.