The Use of Platelet-Rich Fibrin Versus Subepithelial Connective Tissue Graft in Treatment of Multiple Gingival Recessions: A Randomized Clinical Trial

The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) membrane used in combination with a modified coronally advanced flap (MCAF) and to compare it with the use of a subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) in combination with a MCAF in treatment of Miller Class I and II bilateral multiple gingival recessions. A total of 20 patients with multiple Miller Class I and II maxillary gingival recession defects participated in this randomized, split-mouth, controlled study. A total of 60 defects received either PRF + MCAF (test group, n = 30) or MCAF with SCTG (control group, n = 30). Gingival recession depth (RD), keratinized tissue width (KTW), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and gingival thickness (GT) were evaluated at baseline and after 6 months. Patients' discomfort postsurgery was measured by comparing visual analog scale scores. The percentage of root coverage was 84% in the control group and 77.12% in the test group (P = .007). Complete root coverage of the control and test groups was 60% and 50%, respectively (P = .112). KTW and GT increased in both groups from baseline to 6 months (P < .001). At 6 months postoperative, KTW was greater in the control group (P = .024) and GT was higher in the test group (P = .005). Use of a PRF membrane in gingival recession treatment decreased postoperative discomfort compared to SCTG-treated gingival recessions (P < .001). Within the limitations of the present study, it was concluded that localized gingival recessions could be successfully treated with MCAF + PRF as well as MCAF + SCTG. The PRF technique has the bonus advantage of being more comfortable during the postoperative period. The author suggests that the use of PRF is a valid alternative to SCTG for the treatment of localized gingival recessions.