Every dental surgical procedure, from routine tooth extraction to complex oral surgery, is performed with two primary goals: restoring oral health and promoting predictable wound healing. Achieving effective haemostasis is critical to both. Inadequate control of surgical bleeding can lead to postoperative complications, necessitate additional interventions, delay recovery, and increase patient morbidity and healthcare costs.1-3 Consequently, reliable topical haemostatic agents have become an integral part of modern dental practice.

Today, however, clinicians expect more than rapid bleeding control. A haemostatic material should also support stable clot formation, promote tissue healing, and help protect the surgical site from microbial contamination. This is where DENTOSPON® stands apart, combining effective haemostasis with sustained antimicrobial protection for a wide range of dental and oral surgical procedures.

What is DENTOSPON®?

DENTOSPON® is an absorbable gelatin sponge containing 5% colloidal silver, designed for local haemostasis and wound management in dental and oral surgical procedures. Easily trimmed to match the size of the surgical site, it adapts closely to extraction sockets and wound cavities. The combination of gelatin and colloidal silver provides effective local haemostasis with sustained antimicrobial protection, helping promote favourable healing.

Figure 1: DENTOSPON® dental haemostatic sponge for haemostasis and wound management 

How Does DENTOSPON® Work?

Additionally, the dispersed colloidal silver is retained within the sponge and provides a sustained depot effect with prolonged antimicrobial activity without promoting microbial resistance.

HOW TO USE?

Proper application of DENTOSPON® is important for achieving effective local haemostasis and supporting optimal wound healing. The recommended placement technique following tooth extraction is outlined below.

What Are the Clinical Applications of DENTOSPON®?

DENTOSPON® is indicated for haemostasis and wound management in dental and oral surgical procedures, including:

A. Dental and Oral Surgical Procedures

  • Tooth extractions, extraction sockets, and other surgical wound cavities
  • Apical amputations
  • Management of maxillary sinus perforations
  • Surgical removal of impacted or retained teeth
  • Surgical removal of oral tumours
  • Dressing following gingivectomy
  • Periodontal surgical procedures

B. Postoperative Wound Management

  • Prevention of secondary cavity formation
  • Prophylaxis of secondary haemorrhage
  • Prophylaxis of wound infection

 What Does the Clinical Evidence Say About Gelatin Sponge with Colloidal Silver?

A prospective, randomized, split-mouth, double-blind controlled trial involving 35 patients undergoing routine mandibular posterior tooth extractions evaluated the clinical performance of a gelatin sponge containing colloidal silver. In each patient, the extraction socket on the study side received the gelatin sponge with colloidal silver, while the contralateral socket served as the untreated control.3


Figure 2. Extraction socket augmented with a gelatin sponge containing colloidal silver.3

The study demonstrated that the gelatin sponge containing colloidal silver significantly improved soft tissue healing and reduced postoperative bleeding compared with no intervention (control group).3

Based on the findings of this study, gelatin sponge with colloidal silver can be effectively used to reduce postoperative sequelae such as bleeding with better soft tissue healing following extractions and surgical removal of tooth. It can be used in routine clinical practice during the extraction of posterior teeth to avoid the misuse of antibiotics.2,3

Conclusion

Effective control of postoperative bleeding is essential for successful wound healing in oral surgery. By combining the proven haemostatic properties of absorbable gelatin with the prolonged antimicrobial activity of colloidal silver, DENTOSPON® goes beyond conventional haemostatic materials as an adjunct for managing extraction sockets and other oral surgical wounds. It supports clot stability, helps protect the surgical site from bacterial contamination, and promotes a favourable healing environment, making it a valuable addition to modern dental and oral surgical practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is DENTOSPON®?

DENTOSPON® is an absorbable gelatin sponge containing colloidal silver that provides both haemostatic and antimicrobial benefits for dental and oral surgical procedures.

  1. How is DENTOSPON® different from a conventional gelatin sponge?

Unlike conventional gelatin sponges, which primarily control bleeding, DENTOSPON® also releases silver ions, providing sustained antimicrobial protection throughout the healing process.

  1. Which dental procedures can DENTOSPON® be used for?

It can be used following tooth extractions, impacted tooth removal, apicoectomy, periodontal surgery, gingivectomy, and other oral surgical procedures.

  1. Does DENTOSPON® need to be removed after placement?

No, DENTOSPON® is designed to remain at the surgical site and gradually resorb over time, eliminating the need for removal.

References:

  1. Babitha GA, Shiva YK, Sunil DC, Nirmala S, Shobha P. Gelatamp: A new promising hemostatic agent. Adv Dent Oral Health. 2017;7:1-4.DOI: 10.19080/ADOH.2017.07.555707
  2. Joshi U, Vani KD, Patil SG, Mangalgi A, Sagare K, Shah A. Role of gelatamp over absorbable gelatin sponge in impacted mandibular third molar surgery. Bioinformation. 2025;21(12):4534-8.DOI: 10.6026/973206300214534
  3. Thuruthel MJ, Kumar LS, Kurien NM, Tharakan M. Efficacy of gelatamp in controlling the postoperative sequelae following mandibular posterior teeth extraction-A split-mouth study. Journal of Oral Biology and Craniofacial Research. 2023 Mar 1;13(2):96-103.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobcr.2022.11.006