Overview
This randomized split-mouth clinical trial aims to evaluate the effect of topical corticosteroid application on postoperative wound healing and pain following periodontal flap surgery in patients with periodontitis. Forty participants requiring bilateral periodontal flap surgery in the maxilla will be included. In each participant, one surgical site will be randomly assigned to receive topical triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% after surgery, while the contralateral site will serve as the control and will receive periodontal flap surgery without topical corticosteroid application. Wound healing, postoperative pain, and periodontal probing depth will be evaluated during the follow-up period.
Description
Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that may require periodontal flap surgery when adequate treatment outcomes cannot be achieved with non-surgical periodontal therapy alone. Postoperative pain and early wound healing are important factors affecting patient comfort and recovery following periodontal surgery. Topical corticosteroids have anti-inflammatory properties and are widely used for various inflammatory conditions of the oral mucosa; however, evidence regarding their use following periodontal flap surgery is limited.
This prospective, randomized, controlled, split-mouth clinical trial will evaluate the effect of a single topical application of triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% following periodontal flap surgery. Forty patients with periodontitis who require bilateral periodontal flap surgery in the maxilla will be enrolled.
Each participant will undergo periodontal flap surgery at two contralateral maxillary sites in separate surgical sessions. Using random allocation, one site will receive topical triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% following suturing, whereas the contralateral site will undergo the same surgical procedure without topical corticosteroid application and will serve as the control. Thus, each participant will serve as their own control.
Postoperative wound healing and pain will be evaluated during follow-up, together with changes in periodontal probing depth. The split-mouth design is intended to reduce the influence of interindividual variability when comparing the two treatment conditions.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Aged 18 years or older Systemically healthy Diagnosed with periodontitis Requiring bilateral periodontal flap surgery in the maxilla Presence of comparable contralateral maxillary surgical sites suitable for a split-mouth design Willing and able to provide written informed consent For female participants, postmenopausal status
Exclusion Criteria:
- Women of childbearing potential Pregnant or lactating women Current smokers Presence of systemic diseases or conditions that may affect periodontal wound healing Use of medications that may affect periodontal tissues or wound healing Inability or unwillingness to comply with the study procedures and scheduled follow-up visits
