Effect of dual-wavelength photobiomodulation on the healing of gingival graft donor sites: a randomized controlled trial.

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of dual-wavelength photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) on the wound healing process of de-epithelialized free gingival graft (DE-FGF) donor sites. A randomized, controlled clinical trial with a parallel-group design was conducted, including 30 patients, who were randomly assigned to two groups (n = 15) based on the treatment applied to the surgical wound following DE-FGF harvesting: CTR Group (n = 15): Wounds were treated with a fibrin sponge alone; PBMT Group (n = 15): Wounds received a fibrin sponge in conjunction with dual-wavelength PBMT, administered immediately and on days 3, 7, 10, and 15 postoperatively. Clinical evaluations were performed at baseline and at 3, 7, 15, and 30 days postoperatively. The following clinical outcomes were assessed: Wound area in mm² based on standardized photographic analysis; Degree of wound epithelialization; Pain perception using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS); and Analgesic consumption. The findings demonstrated that dual-wavelength PBMT did not significantly influence overall wound closure, pain perception, or analgesic intake. However, accelerated epithelialization was observed in the PBMT group, with a higher proportion of donor sites exhibiting complete epithelial coverage by day 10 post-surgery. The results found suggest that dual-wavelength PBMT may enhance the early healing phase of palatal donor site wounds following DE-FGF harvesting.Trial registration: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (REBEC - RBR-9ztp7q7- Date of registration: 16/11/2022) under number U1111-1281-2428.