Comparison of Connective Tissue Graft Versus Platelet-Rich Fibrin in Miller Cl I and III Gingival Recessions

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and the clinical outcome of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) used in combination with a coronally advanced flap (CAF) and to compare it with a De-epithelialized connective tissue graft (DeCTG) in combination with a CAF for the treatment of localized Miller Class I and II gingival recessions.
Methods: Ten patients with localized gingival recession defects (Miller Class I, II) participated in this split-mouth randomized trial. Gingival recession (GR), probing depth (PD), and gingival thickness (GT) were evaluated at baseline, 6 weeks and 28 weeks postoperatively. Gingival crevicular fluid samples were collected at baseline and at 45 days after surgery to analyze MMP activity.
Results: The difference observed between the test and control group at 7 months was not statistically significant. GR was 3.30±1.25 mm and 3.00±1.63 mm, in the CAF with DeCTG (control) and CAF + PRF (test) group at baseline, and -0.10±0.32 mm in the control group and -0.20±0.42 mm in the test group at 7 months. No significant difference was observed on the percentage of Class I and II in the test and control group (p=0.99). No significant differences were found in the activity levels of MMPs in gingival crevicular fluid between the CAF-PRF group and the CAF DeCTG group at 10 and 45 days (p=0.50).
Conclusions: Within the limitations of the present study, it can be concluded that localized gingival recessions could be successfully treated with CAF + PRF, as well as CAF + DeCTG. Clinical relevance This study suggest that PRF membrane may be an alternative and valid graft material for treating localized gingival recessions Miller Class I, II.