Effect of periodontal dressing on the wound healing after gingivectomy

This study evaluated the effect of periodontal dressing on the healing of gingival tissue following external bevel gingivectomy. Participants aged 18 to 60 years indicated for external bevel gingivectomy in the anterior maxillary with a band of keratinized gingiva greater than 3 mm were enrolled. The patients underwent gingivectomy using the external bevel surgical technique on the vestibular gingiva of sextant 2. Subsequently, the gingival epithelium was removed. Participants were randomized into two groups: with or without periodontal dressing. Gingival index, healing area, presence of visible plaque, and patient satisfaction were assessed. Evaluations were conducted at baseline, 7, 14, and 21 days after the procedure. Data were analyzed using the Chi-Square test and Mann-Whitney test. The sample included three men (12%) and 22 women (88%). Thirteen patients (52%) were allocated to the periodontal dressing group and 12 (48%) to the no-dressing group. There was no statistically significant difference between groups in terms of sex (p = 0.531), age (p = 0.682), gingival index (p = 0.400), pain level (p = 0.799), healing area (p = 0.277), and satisfaction with the outcome (p = 0.265). Within-group analysis showed a significant reduction in the healing area (p < 0.001) for both groups. The periodontal dressing does not affect the healing of gingivectomy wounds.