Effect of Frankincense Versus Palatal Stent on Palatal Donor Site Healing

Effect of Frankincense Versus Palatal Stent on Palatal Donor Site Healing: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

This randomized controlled clinical trial will evaluate the effect of a natural frankincense-based gel on healing of the palatal donor site after soft tissue graft harvesting. A total of 28 adult participants requiring a free gingival graft or connective tissue graft will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to one of two groups. The intervention group will receive topical frankincense gel applied to the palatal wound together with a palatal stent, while the control group will receive a palatal stent only. Participants will be followed for 30 days. The study will assess patient satisfaction, postoperative pain, wound epithelialization, wound surface area, and wound healing

Participants undergoing palatal soft tissue harvesting for periodontal plastic surgical procedures will be recruited from the outpatient clinic of the Oral Medicine and Periodontology Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Cairo University.

Eligible participants will be randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio into two parallel groups. In the experimental group, a continuous thin layer of natural frankincense-based gel will be applied topically to the denuded palatal donor site following graft harvesting, followed by placement of a palatal stent. In the comparator group, the palatal donor site will be managed using a palatal stent only.

The frankincense gel is prepared using Boswellia serrata extract in an aqueous gel formulation. The palatal soft tissue graft will be harvested using a standardized surgical approach, and graft dimensions and residual palatal mucosal thickness will be recorded.

Participants will be followed for 30 days. Patient satisfaction will be assessed using a 7-point Likert scale. Postoperative pain will be evaluated using a Visual Analog Scale from 0 to 10. Wound epithelialization will be assessed using 3% hydrogen peroxide, wound surface area will be evaluated from clinical photographs using image analysis, and wound healing will be evaluated using the Landry, Turnbull, and Howley Healing Index.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18-65 years.
• Patients scheduled for a free gingival graft or connective tissue graft requiring a palatal donor site.
• ASA physical status I-II

Exclusion Criteria:

• Known allergy or hypersensitivity to frankincense, Boswellia species, or frankincense formulation excipients.
• Current smoker or tobacco user.
• Uncontrolled systemic disease, such as uncontrolled diabetes mellitus.
• Pregnant or lactating females