Efficacy of Concentrated Platelets-Rich Fibrin versus Injectable Platelets Rich Fibrin on Gingival Thickness and Keratinized Tissue Width in Subjects with Thin Gingival Phenotype: Split-Mouth Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) has regenerative characteristics and is used as an autologous source of growth factors for tissue regeneration and wound healing. Objective: Evaluating the efficacy of C-PRF for increasing gingival thickness (GT) and keratinized tissue width (KTW) in subjects with a thin gingival phenotype in comparison with I-PRF injection. Methods: Ten healthy participants with a thin gingival phenotype (GT ≤ 1.0 mm) were enrolled in this study. The upper and Lower arches of the participant’s mouth were split into two sides, and each side was randomly injected with C-PRF, while the contralateral side was injected with I-PRF. GT and KTW were assessed before the treatment, 1 month later, and 3 months after the last injection session. Results: Inter-group comparison between I-PRF and C-PRF groups revealed a statistically significant difference at the 3 month follow-up visit, with a mean difference between C-PRF and I-PRF of ±1.373 mm and an effect size of 0.200 at p= 0.048. Intra-group comparison was significant for both groups in both arches except for the I-PRF group in the upper arch for KTW, which was non-significant at p= 0.266. Conclusion: In individuals with thin gingival phenotypes, C-PRF injections may influence an increase in both GT and KTW. The results suggest that the application of C-PRF may be beneficial as a non-surgical method for increasing GT and KTW. (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05615155).