Assessment of hemostatic efficacy and osseous wound healing using HemCon dental dressing

Obtaining hemostasis in the surgical crypt during periradicular surgery is essential. It allows for improved visibility and contributes to a dry environment suitable for the placement of moisture-sensitive root-end filling material. Although current materials may not be moisture sensitive during setting, hemostasis is important for proper placement of root-end filling materials during apical surgery. A new hemostatic agent, HemCon dental dressing (Patterson Dental, St Paul, MN), may improve upon the efficacy of wound healing and hemostasis both in extent and time. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hemostatic effect of HemCon in osseous wound sites and evaluate the wound healing potential and percentage of new bone formation in osseous crypts treated with HemCon.

A split-mouth design was used with random allocation of sham and experimental sites in 12 rabbits. In experimental sites, either HemCon or 15.5% ferric sulfate was applied to osseous crypts created with a round bur. Hemostatic efficacy was evaluated using predetermined scores. Rabbits were sacrificed at 21 days, and tissues were harvested and prepared for histologic evaluation. A blinded pathologist scored samples relative to inflammation. The percentage of new bone deposition was calculated using NIS Elements software (Nikon Instruments Inc, Melville, NY).

There was no statistical significant difference in hemostatic efficacy or wound healing between HemCon and ferric sulfate (P > .05). The HemCon group showed a significantly higher percentage of new bone deposition compared with the controls (P < .01).

HemCon shows promise as an adjunct to the endodontic surgical armamentarium.