The Role of Platelet-Rich Fibrin in Increasing the GingivalThickness and Modifying the Thin Gingival Biotype:A Comparative Clinical Split Mouth Study

Thin gingival biotype (GBT) is of clinical relevance in orthodontic and periodontic treatment, so thick biotype is a requisite forgood periodontal health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) with tunnel flap compared toconnective tissue graft (CTG) with tunnel flap in increasing gingival thickness (GTH).

Twenty orthodontic patientspresenting thin GBTs were included in this study. Treatment sites were divided into test group (PRF) and control group (CTG). Clinicalparameters as GTH, GBT, and width of keratinized gingiva (WKG) were assessed at baseline and 6 months post-surgically. Statistical analysiswas performed using independent T-test for intergroup comparison. Statistical significance was set at 0.05.

The mean GTH at 6months was 1.57 mm for test group and 1.64 mm for control group. The gain of WKG was 1.57 and 2.08 mm in test and control sites,respectively.

Within the limits of this study, using PRF in modifying thin GBT is a successful treatment option and could serve asan alternative to connective tissue grafts (CTGs)