Introducing flowable resin composite as a novel palatal dressing after free gingival graft harvesting: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of using a flowable resin composite compared to periodontal pack in reducing postoperative morbidity after free gingival graft (FGG) harvesting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 34 patients requiring FGG were allocated into two equal groups. The intervention group received a flowable resin composite dressing over the palatal wound, while the control group received Coe-Pak. Postoperative pain was assessed using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and mean analgesic consumption over 14 days. Secondary outcomes included wound size and color match of the healing site assessed at weeks 1, 2, 3, and 6. RESULTS: The control group reported significantly higher VAS pain scores than the intervention group on days 1-4 and 10 (p < 0.05), and highly significant differences on days 5, 6, 8, and 9 (p < 0.001). Analgesic use decreased significantly in both groups (p < 0.001), with no intergroup differences. Wound size and color match improvements were comparable between groups. CONCLUSION: The application of flowable resin composite significantly reduces early postoperative pain following FGG harvesting without compromising healing outcomes. Its ease of application, patient comfort, and comparable clinical performance make it a promising alternative to traditional dressings. However, further investigations are warranted to confirm the biocompatibility of flowable resin composites and their impact on soft tissue healing.