Clinical Evaluation of Ozone Gel Versus Hyaluronic Acid Gel on Palatal Wound Following Free Gingival Graft Harvesting: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE

This randomized clinical trial (RCT) compares the effectiveness of ozone gel (GeliO3) and hyaluronic acid (HA) gel (Gengigel) in enhancing wound healing and reducing postoperative discomfort following free gingival graft (FGG) harvesting.

METHODS

Fifty-six patients requiring FGG for mucogingival defects were randomly assigned into two groups: the ozone gel group and the HA gel group. The primary outcome was postoperative pain, assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) and analgesic consumption. Secondary outcomes included wound healing, evaluated using the Landry healing index, and color match assessment. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests with a significance level of p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Both treatment groups exhibited significant pain reduction over time (p < 0.001). Although there was no statistically significant difference between the groups, a faster decline in pain was observed in the ozone group by Day 3. Analgesic consumption was significantly lower in the ozone group on Days 2 and 3 (p = 0.042). The healing index and color match scores showed a steady improvement in both groups, with the ozone group demonstrating slightly higher values at various time points, though not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Both ozone gel and HA gel effectively enhanced post-FGG healing, reduced pain, and improved tissue esthetics. Ozone therapy showed potential advantages in early pain relief and lower analgesic dependence. These findings suggest that ozone therapy may serve as an alternative or adjunctive treatment for palatal wound management in periodontal surgery. Further research is needed to confirm its clinical superiority over HA gel.