Palatal donor site wound healing following mucogingival surgery using amnion‐chorion membrane: A randomized controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND: Free soft tissue autografts (FSTA) harvested from a patient's palate are frequently associated with significant postoperative morbidity. Several wound dressings have been applied to the palatal donor site with the aim of reducing postoperative complications and improving wound healing. Periodontal literature on the use of an amnion-chorion membrane (ACM) for this indication is limited, despite its antimicrobial, angiogenic, and anti-inflammatory properties. METHODS: Patients requiring an autogenous soft tissue graft were randomized into receiving either an ACM or hemostatic agent (HA) palatal wound dressing following the harvest of an epithelialized FSTA. Early wound healing was assessed at 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks following surgery using an Early Healing Index (EHI) that assessed bleeding on palpation, incomplete epithelialization, granulation tissue, inflammation, and redness. Postoperative questionnaires assessing a patient's pain level on a 21-point Numeric Rating Scale (NRS-21) and analgesic consumption over the first 72 h after the procedure were also evaluated. RESULTS: Healing improved significantly in both treatment groups over the study period. Over all 4 weeks, EHI scores were significantly higher in the ACM treatment group by 1.17 points (p = 0.027). There was no significant difference in NRS-21 scores or analgesics consumed between groups. Graft dimensions did not significantly affect either parameter assessed, but higher patient age was associated with higher EHI scores. CONCLUSION: ACM resulted in improved early wound healing compared to HA when applied as a palatal donor site wound dressing following a FSTA harvest. Therefore, ACM may be an appropriate palatal wound dressing for patients with anticipated delayed healing. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT05400213.