Impact of aloe vera on post-surgical wound healing in chronic periodontitis patients undergoing periodontal flap surgery: A randomized controlled trial

Periodontal flap surgery is widely performed for pocket reduction, but healing may be delayed by inflammation. Among the recent emergence of herbal and ayurvedic plants, Aloe vera is one such succulent plant which has been used for its anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial properties and it also may enhance surgical outcomes. Therefore, it is of interest to assess the effect of topical aloe vera gel on postoperative healing, probing pocket depth and clinical attachment loss following periodontal flap surgery. Hence, thirty patients with Stage II/III periodontitis were randomly assigned into test (aloe vera gel) and control (Co-E pack) groups. Flap surgeries were conducted on the patients. Postoperative healing was assessed using the Early Healing Index (EHI) at one week and the Healing Index (HI) at one, two and three weeks. PPD and CAL were recorded pre- and postoperatively. The aloe vera group showed significantly higher EHI scores at one week and higher HI scores at week two and three. Both groups improved over time, but PPD reduction and CAL gain were greater with aloe vera. Superior healing was seen in the aloe vera group regardless of disease severity. Thus, topical aloe vera gel significantly improved postoperative healing, PPD and CAL following flap surgery, suggesting its potential as a safe, effective adjunct in periodontal therapy.