Effect of aloe vera hydrogel on the scarring and healing of free gingival graft: Randomized controlled trial

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Several studies have used aloe vera hydrogel to enhance various ;ssues regenera;on to reduce scar forma;on in wounds. This study aimed to prepare a hydrogel specified for the oral cavity and observe scar forma;on and healing of free gingival gra4 a4er its applica;on compared with the natural healing and scaring of the gra4 without any material. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is a randomized controlled clinical trial that included 22 pa;ents with a width of aCached gingiva less than 2 mm. a4er preparing the aloe vera hydrogel and comple;ng the laboratory stage, the hydrogel was randomly applied for 11 pa;ents a4er the free gingival gra4 procedure while the other 11 pa;ents did not use any material a4er the same surgery. Landry's scale was used to assess the healing index, scarring was evaluated using Mucosal Scarring Index. RESULTS: The healing index was higher in the interven;on group with a sta;s;cal difference P<0.05 than the control group a4er three weeks. Moreover, Scar forma;on in the interven;on group was less in the interven;on group with a significant difference P<0.05 a4er 1,2,3,6 months. CONCLUSION: Within the limita;ons of our study, the aloe vera hydrogel can be considered as a good topical treatment a4er oral surgery due to its ability to reduce scar forma;on and speeding up the healing in the receiving area in free gingival gra4 procedures.