Effect of GaAlAs 940 nm Photobiomodulation on palatal wound healing after free gingival graft surgery: a split mouth randomized controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) on wound healing, pain, and discomfort at free gingival graft (FGG) donor sites. METHODS: Sixteen patients in need of bilateral FGG were selected for this randomized, controlled, triple-blinded, and split mouth clinical trial. The FGG donor sites in test group were treated with LLLT GaAlAs 940 nm, 5 J/cm(2) immediately after surgery and every other day within the following ten days. The control group received sham irradiation. Remaining Wound Area (RWA), Epithelialization and color match were evaluated on the day of surgery and 7, 14, 21, 28, and 60 days after surgery. A questionnaire was administered to measure pain and bleeding in the first ten days after surgery. RESULTS: RWA was significantly smaller in the test than control group on the days 7 (p < 0.001) and 14 (p = 0.048) after the surgery. Bleeding was higher in the test group than in the control group on the day of surgery (p = 0.046). Pain and discomfort at the palatal donor site, however, had no significant difference between laser and control group during 11 days after the surgery (p > 0.05), nor did the Color match scores on the 28th and 60th days after the surgery (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that PBM enhances FGG donor site wound healing one and two weeks after the surgery. Trial registration IRCT2017092036203N2, registered 01.11.2017.