EFFECT OF TOPICAL MELATONIN LOADED GELATIN SPONGE ON PALATAL WOUND HEALING (RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED CLINICAL TRIAL)

INTRODUCTION: For many muco-gingival deformities, autogenous soft tissue grafts are the gold standard treatment. The palate is the most typical site for soft tissue graft harvesting. Epithelialized graft harvesting technique is one of the most efficient. Yet, it leaves an open palatal wound that is only healed by secondary intention. Many dressing materials have been used -to cover and protect the donor site-either alone or combined with other biological materials as: non-eugenol and eugenol dressings, Collagen, hydrogels and, resin-based dressings. Melatonin is well known for its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects; it has the ability to decrease the effects of various pro-inflammatory mediators. It can scavenge free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, which is often associated with inflammation. Melatonin's ability to regulate the immune response and dampen the pro-inflammatory cascade has gained interest for potential therapeutic applications. Study objective: To assess the effect of topically applied melatonin loaded gelatin sponge on palatal wound healing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-six surgical sites for free palatal graft procurement were included in the study. They were equally divided into two groups: Test group, the palatal donor site was covered by topical Melatonin loaded gelatin sponge. Control group, the site was covered by carbopol loaded gelatin sponge. Wound healing was evaluated using photo-digital planimetry on the day of surgery and, at seven days post-surgical. Healing index of Landry was used at the seventh day. Pain was assessed via VAS for a week from the day of surgery. RESULTS: Photo-digital planimetry showed that the test group exhibited more reduction in the percentages of wound area than control although it was not statistically significant. Healing index of Landry revealed no statistically significant difference between the two groups. No significant differences in VAS scores between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Melatonin could be beneficial in improving palatal wound healing.