Effect of an Oral Ointment Containing Propolis on Palatal Donor Site Pain and Wound Healing After Harvesting a Free Gingival Graft: a Split-Mouth, Double-Blind Clinical Trial

Objectives: We aimed to assess the effect of an oral ointment containing propolis on palatal donor site pain and wound healing after harvesting a free gingival graft (FGG).Materials and Methods: This clinical trial evaluated 10 patients who required bilateral FGGs. The test and control sites in each patient received FGGs with a minimum of 1month interval. The test palatal donor site wound was coated with 5% propolis oral ointment while the control site was covered with placebo. The patients were recalled on 1, 3, 7, 14 and 21 days after surgery to assess the burning and pain sensation of the donor site and pain .The colour match of the donor site with the adjacent healthy tissue was assessed on 7, 14, 21, 30 and 42 days . Donor site bleeding was also assessed on day 7. Donor site tissue thickness was measured on 0, 30 and 42 days.Results: The pain score at 1 (P= 0.028) and 3 (P= 0.049) days was significantly lower in the test group. No significant difference was noted in burning sensation between the two groups (P>0.05). The colour match in the test group was significantly superior on 14 (P =0.008), 21 (P= 0.016), 30 (P= 0.005) and 42 (P= 0.001) days. The difference in donor site bleeding and thickness was not significant (P>0.05).Conclusions: Propolis oral ointment can be used for palatal donor site pain relief in early days after FGG harvesting. However, further studies are required on its efficacy for wound healing.