EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CHITOSAN-BASED DRESSING ON WOUND HEALING BY SECONDARY INTENTION: AN IN VIVO STUDY

This in vivo randomized controlled trial evaluates the effectiveness of chitosan-based dressing (AXIOSTAT) on gingival wound healing by secondary intention following gingivectomy. A total of 26 systemically healthy patients requiring excisional gingival procedures will be selected and randomly allocated into two groups. Group A (control) will receive Coe-Pak periodontal dressing alone, while Group B (test) will receive chitosan dressing with Coe-Pak. Pain will be assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) on days 1, 3, and 7. Healing will be evaluated using the Landry Healing Index on days 7, 15, and 30. The study will follow a single-blinded design to reduce bias.

Chitosan is a natural biopolymer derived from chitin with excellent biocompatibility, antimicrobial properties, and hemostatic potential. Its sponge form promotes clot stabilization, enhances tissue regeneration, and offers improved healing in open wounds. This study aims to compare its efficacy with conventional periodontal dressings in terms of pain reduction and accelerated healing. Ethical clearance and CTRI registration will be obtained. The findings of this study may help establish chitosan as a superior biomaterial for post-surgical wound management in periodontology, improving patient comfort and clinical outcomes during healing by secondary intention.