Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of using 2% curcumin gel versus gelatin sponge when applied as wound dressing to palatal donor site on pain perception and wound healing after epithelialized gingival graft (EGG) harvesting.
Methodology: The present study included 30 patients with mucogingival defects that can be treated by application of EGG. The patients were allocated to 2 groups, an intervention group and control group. The palatal donor site received a hemostatic gelatin sponge and 2% curcumin gel in the control and intervention groups respectively after EGGs harvesting from the palate. Patients were observed for 4 weeks, evaluating the pain level by using the visual analogue scale and the consumption of analgesic during the first postoperative week. Soft tissue healing and re-epithelialization of the palatal wound were evaluated for 4 weeks post-surgery.
Results: There was significant difference between both groups in pain scores assessed from the 3rd to the 7th days after surgery. The number of analgesic tablets taken by the patients in the control group was significantly higher than that of the intervention from the on 3rd day and 4th days. On the second week wound healing, scores measured in the intervention group were significantly higher than the control group (p=0.035). For wound re-epithelialization for all intervals, there was no significant difference between groups (p>0.05).
Conclusions: Curcumin gel represents a useful palatal wound dressing material that has features that enhances palatal wound re-epithelization, healing and can reduce post-operative pain.


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