Not yet recruitingPHASE2INTERVENTIONAL

Role of Manuka Honey in Lowering Pain and Boosting Healing After Gum Graft Surgery.

This research aims to find out if medical-grade Manuka honey helps people heal better and feel less pain after gum graft surgery. Many people experience gum recession, where gum tissue pulls back, and surgery can help. The study will compare two surgical sites in the same patient: one where Manuka honey is applied in a dental plate, and one where it isn't. Researchers will closely monitor pain levels, painkiller use, and how well the gums heal over several months. Participants will complete surveys and attend follow-up appointments to help scientists understand if this natural product could make a difference in post-surgery recovery for a common dental condition.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

PHASE2

Sponsor

Nancy Mouradian

Enrolment target

Start

20 Jun 2025

Estimated completion

31 Jan 2027

Gingival Recession, Mucogingival Surgery

What is this study about?

This study is looking into whether medical Manuka honey can help people who have gum graft surgery to recover more easily. Gum graft surgery is a common dental procedure often done when gums have receded, meaning they've pulled away from the teeth. This can expose the tooth roots and sometimes cause sensitivity or other problems. In this surgery, healthy gum tissue is taken from one part of your mouth, often the roof, and placed where it's needed.

The main aim of this research is to see if applying medical-grade Manuka honey to the area where the tissue was taken from (the 'donor site') can reduce pain and help the area heal faster. Scientists want to know if patients feel less pain and need fewer painkillers, and if the healing process is quicker and more complete with the honey. They will compare two different surgical areas within the same patient. For one area, Manuka honey will be used in a special dental plate, and for the other, it won't be.

By carefully comparing the results within the same person, the researchers hope to understand if Manuka honey could be a useful way to improve recovery after gum graft surgery. This could potentially make the healing process more comfortable for patients in the future.

Key takeaways

The study explores if medical Manuka honey helps reduce pain and boost healing after gum graft surgery.
Participants will have two surgeries; one with Manuka honey, one without, allowing for direct comparison.
Pain intensity and painkiller use will be carefully tracked through daily surveys.
Healing will be assessed through regular clinic visits and specific tests.
This research aims to find better ways to recover from common dental procedures.
The study involves multiple clinic visits and surveys over approximately one year.

Who may be eligible?

You might be able to join this study if you are 18 years old or older and are generally in good health, or if any health conditions you have, like diabetes, are well-managed. You should have good gum health, or your gum problems should be stable after any necessary dental treatments. Importantly, you must need two gum graft surgeries, one on each side of the roof of your mouth, to treat gum recession or similar problems around your teeth or implants.

There are also some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you smoke or use other tobacco products, or if you are pregnant, you won't be eligible. If you have conditions that could affect your healing, like poorly controlled diabetes or certain autoimmune diseases, or if you regularly take medications like specific painkillers (NSAIDs), certain antidepressants, or steroids, you might not be able to participate. You also need to be able to follow instructions carefully and attend all scheduled appointments.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you generally have good health or well-controlled health conditions?
Do you need two gum graft surgeries for gum recession or similar issues?
Do you not smoke or use other tobacco products?
Are you not pregnant?
Are you able to attend appointments and complete daily surveys?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you will have two gum graft surgeries, about four weeks apart. Before each surgery, you'll visit the clinic. During the surgeries, you will receive pain medication to help manage discomfort. After each surgery, you'll need to fill out a daily survey for a period to record your pain levels and how many painkillers you've used. You'll also have weekly check-up appointments at the clinic for six weeks after each surgery.

After both surgeries and their initial follow-up periods, you'll complete a survey comparing your experiences with both surgeries. There will also be longer-term follow-up visits at 2 months, 6 months, and one year after your surgeries to check on your progress and healing. The total duration of your participation, including all follow-ups, will be about one year.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in any study has potential benefits and risks. A potential benefit of this study is that if Manuka honey is effective, you might experience less pain and better healing after one of your surgeries compared to what you typically might expect. However, there's no guarantee the honey will provide a benefit. The risks are similar to those of standard gum graft surgery, such as discomfort, swelling, or bleeding. You will be monitored closely by the dental team. Remember, your participation is completely voluntary, and you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and it will not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Laval university- Faculty of Dentistry
Verified postcode
Québec, Canada

Common questions

What is gum graft surgery?

It's a dental procedure where healthy gum tissue is taken from one part of your mouth, often the roof, to cover exposed tooth roots or replace missing gum tissue.

What is Manuka honey?

Manuka honey is a type of honey from New Zealand known for its special antibacterial properties. This study uses a medical-grade version.

Will I know if I'm getting the honey or not?

Yes, in this study, you will have two surgeries. For one surgery, honey will be used, and for the other, it won't. You'll know which is which.

How long will the study last for me?

Your participation will involve surgeries, daily surveys for a period, weekly check-ups for about 6 weeks after each surgery, and then longer follow-ups for up to a year after your last surgery.

What if I can't come to an appointment?

It's important to try and attend all scheduled appointments. If you think you might miss one, you should tell the study team as soon as possible.

How to find out more

Camille Côté-Laroche, DMD, MSc (candidate)

camille.cote-laroche.1@ulaval.ca 819-806-4806 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.