The hemostatic properties of chitosan in oral surgery
Rocco Franco, Francesco Gianfreda, Michele Miranda, Alberta Barlattani, Patrizio Bollero
Abstract
Chitosan (CS) belongs to the natural linear aminopolysaccharide family. It is formed by a repetition of D-glucosamine units (deacetylated units) and a smaller number of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine units. Their distribution is casual. It derives from chitin which is a naturally occurring polysaccharide in the arthropod exoskeleton. CS is a biocompatible material and for this reason it is used in medicine, especially in dentistry. It also has anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties. It is used in conservative dentistry, periodontology, especially in oral surgery. Its antibacterial and hemostatic properties are useful in the surgical treatment of patients on anticoagulant/antiplatelet therapy. The purpose of this work is to analyze through a systematic review of the literature on the use of CS as a local hemostatic.