Efficacy of injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF) for gingival phenotype modification: a split-mouth randomized controlled clinical trial

Gingival phenotype is decisive in periodontal health, aesthetics, and function and is a predictor of treatment outcomes. Injectable platelet-rich fibrin is a recently proposed method of gingival augmentation due to its enhanced regenerative potential. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of injectable platelet-rich fibrin for gingival phenotype modification.

In this split-mouth study, 30 healthy volunteers with thin gingival biotypes in either maxillary or mandibular incisors were included. iPRF was prepared using 64 g relative centrifugal force for 3 min. i-PRF was injected into the attached gingiva using a 27-gauge disposable needle in relation to the test sites (n = 360), and contralateral sites were kept as control. Re-evaluation was done at the end of 3 and 6 months. Post-operative complications and patient-reported experience measures were also recorded. Statistical analysis was done using paired t-test and analysis of covariance.

Statistically significant increase in gingival thickness was found in the test group at the individual site and tooth level. An overall increase in gingival thickness of 26.56% after 3 months and 29% after 6 months compared to baseline was noticed in the test group. No significant difference was found in the width of keratinized gingiva in any of the comparisons.

The non-surgical application of i-PRF is promising for enhancing gingival thickness. Future well-controlled studies with long-term follow-up in different patient populations can provide more evidence.

Gingival phenotype modification is a useful therapy to prevent the occurrence of gingival recession in patients with thin phenotypes.

Clinical Trial Registration Number: CTRI/2021/04/032650.