Clinical and Histological Evaluation of Subepithelial Connective Tissue Graft Maturation at Different Healing Timepoints, With and Without Topical Application of a Polynucleotide- and Hyaluronic Acid-Based Gel

Summary

This study evaluates whether a 9-week healing interval is sufficient for subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) maturation after palatal harvesting, and whether topical application of a polynucleotide and hyaluronic acid gel (Regenfast®) improves tissue quality. This is a randomized, blinded, controlled clinical trial with a split-mouth design involving 15 participants. Each participant undergoes bilateral SCTG harvesting from the palate in two surgical sessions 9 weeks apart. In the first session, one randomized side receives a single topical application of Regenfast® after graft removal; the contralateral side serves as control. Standardized tissue fragments (3×3 mm, 1.5 mm thickness) are collected from each graft for histological (HE, Picrosirius Red) and immunohistochemical analyses. Comparisons are made between grafts collected at baseline and after 9 weeks, and between sides treated with or without the gel.

Timeline

Start

2026-07

Primary completion

2026-10-31

Completion

2027-02-27

Publications

• Background Harris RJ. Histologic evaluation of connective tissue grafts in humans. Int J Periodontics Restorative Dent. 2003 Dec;23(6):575-83.
• Background Harris RJ. The connective tissue and partial thickness double pedicle graft: a predictable method of obtaining root coverage. J Periodontol. 1992 May;63(5):477-86. doi: 10.1902/jop.1992.63.5.477.
• Background Cairo F, Cavalcanti R, Barbato L, Nieri M, Castelluzzo W, di Martino M, Pilloni A. Polynucleotides and Hyaluronic Acid (PN-HA) Mixture With or Without Deproteinized Bovine Bone Mineral as a Novel Approach for the Treatment of Deep Infrabony Defects: A Retrospective Case Series. Int J Periodontics Restorative Dent. 2025 Mar 6;45(2):153-163. doi: 10.11607/prd.7065.
• Background Pilloni A, Rojas MA, Trezza C, Carere M, De Filippis A, Marsala RL, Marini L. Clinical effects of the adjunctive use of polynucleotide and hyaluronic acid-based gel in the subgingival re-instrumentation of residual periodontal pockets: A randomized, split-mouth clinical trial. J Periodontol. 2023 Mar;94(3):354-363. doi: 10.1002/JPER.22-0225. Epub 2022 Nov 23.
• Background Skierska I, Gorski B, Fus L. Tunnel technique and subepithelial connective tissue graft, with or without cross-linked hyaluronic acid, in the treatment of multiple gingival recessions: 12-month outcomes of a randomized clinical trial. J Periodontol. 2024 Nov;95(11):1060-1072. doi: 10.1002/JPER.24-0093. Epub 2024 May 29.
• Background Tavelli L, Barootchi S, Stefanini M, Zucchelli G, Giannobile WV, Wang HL. Wound healing dynamics, morbidity, and complications of palatal soft-tissue harvesting. Periodontol 2000. 2023 Jun;92(1):90-119. doi: 10.1111/prd.12466. Epub 2022 Dec 30.
• Background Tavelli L, Barootchi S, Siqueira R, Kauffmann F, Majzoub J, Stefanini M, Zucchelli G, Wang HL. Three-Dimensional Volumetric Analysis of the Palatal Donor Site Following Soft Tissue Harvesting. Int J Periodontics Restorative Dent. 2022 May-Jun;42(3):393-399. doi: 10.11607/prd.5268.
• Background Soileau KM, Brannon RB. A histologic evaluation of various stages of palatal healing following subepithelial connective tissue grafting procedures: a comparison of eight cases. J Periodontol. 2006 Jul;77(7):1267-73. doi: 10.1902/jop.2006.050129.

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