A NEW APPROACH FOR INCREASING THE GINGIVAL THICKNESS BY USING INJECTABLE PLATELET RICH FIBRIN (i-PRF) – A CLINICAL AND RADIOGRAPHIC STUDY

Abstract

The thickness of the gingiva has been described as gingival biotype, which is classified as thin (<1.5 mm) and thick (>1.5 mm). Higher incidence of gingival recession is found in patients with thin biotype, therefore treatment modalities that aim at enhancing the thickness of gingiva can result in better treatment outcome of recession coverage procedures. PRF is the second generation autologous platelet concentrate without use of anticoagulant. In 2014, i-PRF was developed by modifying spin centrifugation forces. The objective of this study was to estimate the efficiency of injectable platelet rich fibrin (i-PRF) in increasing the gingival thickness. 25 systemically healthy patients were selected. Gingival thickness was measured by three techniques. [1]Visual method - probe transparency, [2]Transgingival probing with 15 no. K-file, [3]Radiographic (paralleling technique) method. The intravenous blood was withdrawn from the patients and the i-PRF was prepared. The i-PRF was injected in sites with thin gingival thickness. The patients were recalled after a month and the thickness of gingiva was measured again using above methods. A statistically significant increase in gingival thickness was observed with i-PRF. Gingival thickness increased by 0.54 mm ± 0.0854 (p < 0.05). Injection of i-PRF has proven beneficial for increasing the gingival thickness.