Investigating the effect of nifedipine mucosal adhesive on the wound healing process in the palate: A clinical trial study

Introduction: Nifedipine (NF) is a calcium channel blocker that accelerates wound healing and subsequently relieves pain and discomfort. The aim of the present study was to investigate the local effect of this drug on the wound-healing process of the palate. Materials & Methods: In this triple-blind clinical trial study, 31 patients who were referred to the Periodontology Department of Babol Dental School (14 in the experimental group and 17 in the control group) were examined. They were candidates for gingival surgery and needed a palate transplant. Mucotom was used to create identical wounds in the palate (transplant donor). After a free gingival grafting, the active ingredient of 0.3% NF was applied as a mucosal adhesive (made of chitosan) in the area of the graft (palate). Patients were examined and recorded on days 2, 4, 7, 14, and 30 after surgery for wound closure and healing criteria (Landry & Manchester scar scale) and pain (VAS). Sutures were removed on day 7 of the study. Data were analyzed with SPSS 20 and chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests. The significance level was set at 0.05. Results: Based on Landry and Manchester criteria, the wound healing process in the two groups was not significant (p=0.125). There was no significant difference between mean wound size reduction and VAS in both treatment and control groups (p=0.253). Conclusion: Topical NF has no effect on the natural process of healing oral mucosal ulcers and reducing pain.