Effective bleeding control is essential for successful dental and oral surgical procedures, including tooth extractions, periodontal surgery, implant placement, tissue biopsies, gingival soft tissue procedures, and other exodontic interventions. ^1-3 Uncontrolled bleeding can reduce visibility, prolong procedure time, and delay healing. While conventional methods like pressure and suturing remain fundamental, absorbable haemostatic agents provide important additional support when rapid haemostasis is required.^1,2

Among these, absorbable gelatin sponges (AGS) such as  SURGISPON^® DENTAL are widely used to aid clot formation and control bleeding. Their porous structure enables efficient blood absorption, supports stable clot development, and offers high biocompatibility for safe use in surgical sites. The AGS has shown the superior ability of blood absorption compared to sterile gauze, making them a reliable option for postoperative bleeding management in dental procedures.²

This blog explores the clinical benefits and applications of SURGISPON^® DENTAL, along with supporting clinical evidence.

What is a SURGISPON^® DENTAL?

SURGISPON^® DENTAL is a gamma-sterilized, absorbable gelatin sponge made from highly purified pharmaceutical-grade gelatin for rapid haemostasis during tooth extractions and oral surgical procedures. It can be applied dry or moistened with sterile saline, absorbs up to 45 times its weight in blood, and is typically absorbed within 4 weeks. The sponge is biocompatible, pH-neutral, non-toxic, non-allergenic, and non-pyrogenic.

Figure 1: SURGISPON^® Dental – Absorbable Haemostatic Sponge 

Why Choose SURGISPON^® DENTAL?

SURGISPON^® DENTAL is designed to provide reliable bleeding control by supporting stable clot formation at the surgical site. Its natural absorption eliminates the need for removal, helping simplify postoperative care. To meet the varying demands of dental and oral surgical procedures, SURGISPON^® DENTAL is available in different formats:

• Dental Cubes (10 × 10 × 10 mm):

Suitable for extraction sockets, small bony defects, alveolar ridge preservation, implant osteotomy sites, and minor defects following cyst or granuloma curettage. The cube conforms to the defect, absorbs blood, supports clot stabilization, and may help retain particulate bone graft material.

• Dental Tampons (12 × Ø 08 mm):

Designed for narrow or deep surgical sites, such as extraction sockets, third molar extraction sites, and post-apicoectomy cavities. Their cylindrical shape allows easy placement in confined bony spaces, where they fit snugly within the defect, provide rapid tamponade, and support stable clot formation.

• Dental Sheets (20 × 20 × 07 mm):

Suitable for larger surgical surfaces, including palatal donor sites, periodontal flap procedures, oral biopsy sites, frenectomy, vestibuloplasty, and implant surgery. The sheet can be trimmed to the required size, adapts well to broad tissue surfaces, and helps control diffuse capillary bleeding over larger treatment areas.

While dental cubes, tampons, and sheets are optimized for dental and oral surgical applications, their use is not limited to specific procedures. With multiple formats available, SURGISPON^® DENTAL allows clinicians to select the option best suited to the surgical site and haemostatic requirements.

Key Clinical Benefits of SURGISPON^® DENTAL:

What Does Clinical Evidence Say?

A randomized clinical study enrolled 30 patients requiring bilateral surgical extraction of impacted mandibular third molars. The absorbable gelatin sponge was cut into desired size cubes. Following randomization, one extraction socket was packed with the sponge and sutured with interrupted 3-0 silk sutures, while the opposite socket was left unfilled and sutured similarly. No significant difference in surgical trauma was observed between the sponge-treated and control sites.²

Key Clinical Findings²

• Bleeding: Postoperative bleeding was reduced in the gelatin sponge-treated sites.
• Pain: Lower postoperative pain scores were observed in the gelatin sponge group compared with the control sites.
• Swelling: A slight reduction in postoperative swelling was observed in the gelatin sponge-treated sites.

Figure 2: Placement of the absorbable gelatin sponge within the extraction socket following tooth extraction³

These findings suggest that absorbable gelatin sponges can improve postoperative outcomes following third molar extractions without adversely affecting socket healing.^2,3

Conclusion

Absorbable gelatin sponges play an important role in achieving effective localized haemostasis and supporting clot formation at the surgical site. With their high absorbency, biocompatibility, and ease of handling, SURGISPON^® DENTAL provides a practical and reliable solution for managing bleeding in tooth extractions and oral surgical procedures. Overall, it serves as a valuable adjunct in modern dental practice by supporting consistent haemostasis and favorable healing outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is SURGISPON^® DENTAL used for?

SURGISPON^® DENTAL is an absorbable gelatin sponge used to control bleeding during tooth extractions, implant placement, periodontal procedures, and other oral surgical interventions.

2. Are HEMOSPONGE^® Dental and SURGISPON^® DENTAL  similar?

Yes. Both are absorbable gelatin sponges designed to control bleeding in dental and oral surgical procedures. They support natural clot formation and are gradually absorbed after placement.

3. How does SURGISPON^® DENTAL help control bleeding?

Its porous gelatin structure absorbs blood and provides a matrix for platelet aggregation and clot formation, helping achieve localized haemostasis at the surgical site.

4. How long does SURGISPON^® DENTAL remain at the application site?

SURGISPON^® DENTAL typically absorbs within 4 weeks. In mucosal tissues, it may liquefy within 2–5 days, depending on the amount used and the application site.

5. Can SURGISPON^® DENTAL be used with antibiotics or other therapeutic agents?

Yes. SURGISPON^® DENTAL can serve as a carrier matrix for localized antibiotics and other therapeutic agents without compromising its haemostatic properties.

References:

1. Irfan NI, Zubir AZ, Suwandi A, Haris MS, Jaswir I, Lestari W. Gelatin-based hemostatic agents for medical and dental application at a glance: A narrative literature review. The Saudi Dental Journal. 2022 Dec 1;34(8):699-707. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sdentj.2022.11.007
2. Rahman KU, Shah GM, Ikram M, Fiaz M, Alam J, et al. (2024) Effectiveness of Resorbable Surgical Gelatin Sponge Following Impacted Mandibular Tooth Extraction: A Prospective Split Mouth Comparative Investigation. JSM Dent 11(1): 1139. Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.47739/2333-7133.dentistry.1139
3. Sharifi S, Maleki Dizaj S, Ahmadian E, Karimpour A, Maleki A, Memar MY, Ghavimi MA, Dalir Abdolahinia E, Goh KW. A biodegradable flexible micro/nano-structured porous hemostatic dental sponge. Nanomaterials. 2022 Sep 30;12(19):3436. https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12193436