Comparison of hyaluronic acid, hypochlorous acid, and flurbiprofen on postoperative morbidity in palatal donor area: a randomized controlled clinical trial

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the effects of topical hyaluronic acid (HA), hypochlorous acid (HOCl), and flurbiprofen on postoperative morbidity of palatal donor sites after free gingival graft (FGG) surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients requiring FGG were randomly assigned into four groups: control, HA gel (600 mg/100 g high molecular weight hyaluronic acid), HOCl spray (170–200 ppm, ph7.1), flurbiprofen spray (0.075gr flurbiprofen). Topical agents were applied for 14 days, according to groups. Patients were followed for 28 days. Palatal healing was assessed with the Laundry wound healing index (WHI). Complete epithelization (CE) was evaluated with photographs and H(2)O(2) bubbling. Pain, burning sensation, chewing efficacy, and tissue color match (CM) were evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS). Postoperative analgesic consumption and delayed bleeding (DB) were also recorded. RESULTS: HA provided better WHI values on the 7(th), 14(th), and 21(st) days compared to the other groups, respectively (p < 0.05). CE was formed on the 21(st) day in the HA group but on the 28(th) day in the other groups. HOCl and flurbiprofen groups were not different from the control group or each other in terms of WHI. HOCl had the lowest VAS scores of all time periods. DB was not observed in any group. Significantly fewer analgesics were taken in the topical agent-applied groups compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: HA exhibits a positive impact on the epithelization of palatal wound healing and color matching. HOCl and flurbiprofen provided less pain; however, they might have negative effects on palatal wound healing. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: As a result of obtaining free gingival grafts from palatal tissue for mucogingival surgical procedures, secondary wound healing of the donor area occurs. This wound in the palatal region can cause discomfort and pain every time patients use their mouths. The use of HA can reduce postoperative complications by accelerating wound healing and reducing pain. The topical use of flurbiprofen and HOCl can reduce patients’ pain.