Efficacy of Tocopherol vs. Chlorhexidine in the Management of Oral Biopsy Site: A Randomized Clinical Trial

TL;DR

This study compared tocopherol and chlorhexidine for managing pain and healing after oral biopsies and found both to be equally effective.

Contribution

Demonstrates that tocopherol is a viable alternative to chlorhexidine for postoperative oral care.

Findings

No significant differences in pain or healing between tocopherol and chlorhexidine groups.

Both groups showed significant pain reduction within themselves over time.

Tocopherol showed comparable efficacy without the side effects of chlorhexidine.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) is widely regarded as the gold standard for oral mucosa antiseptic treatments but has been associated with delayed healing, scar formation, microbiome alterations, and fibroblast toxicity. Tocopherol, with its ability to accelerate tissue healing and minimal side effects, has emerged as a potential alternative. This randomized clinical trial aimed to compare the efficacy of topical tocopherol acetate and 0.2% chlorhexidine in managing postoperative pain and wound healing following oral cavity biopsies. Methods: Seventy-seven patients undergoing oral biopsies were divided into two groups: the test group (tocopherol acetate) and the control group (0.2% chlorhexidine). Pain was assessed using VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) scores on days 1 and 6 postoperatively, and wound healing was evaluated through measurements of the biopsy site’s height and width from standardized photographs analyzed with ImageJ. Painkiller use was also documented. The study followed CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) guidelines, with ethical approval from the Padua Ethics Committee and registration on ISRCTN. Results: No significant differences were found between the groups in VAS scores, wound dimensions, or painkiller use (p > 0.05). However, significant pain reduction within each group was observed (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Tocopherol acetate showed comparable efficacy to chlorhexidine, suggesting it could be a viable alternative for postoperative care in oral surgery.

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