Intraoral digital imaging documenting recurrent aphthous ulcer healing in 2-octyl cyanoacrylate versus sham-treated lesions.

OBJECTIVE

A device to standardize imaging was coupled with a digital intraoral camera to investigate the efficacy of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate (OC) tissue adhesives on the healing of minor aphthous ulcers.

STUDY

DESIGN

Forty-two subjects were enrolled in a patient-blinded, sham-controlled study assessing the effects of 2-OC formulations on ulcer size and healing time. Daily images were made until ulcers were healed. Ulcer image outlines were traced by using a mouse, and ulcer areas were automatically calculated.

RESULTS

A mean difference of -0.15 mm(2) was seen between baseline and next-day measurements (P =.48). The cumulative ulcer area was meaningfully reduced in one OC group compared with the sham group (P =.04). Time to healing was reduced by 1.9 days in the same group compared with the sham group (P =.02).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of digital intraoral images with an integrated measurement reference enhances the accuracy and reproducibility of measurements. 2-OC adhesives hold promise as devices to promote healing of recurrent aphthous ulcers.