Effect of fibrin-rich plasma and collagen sponge on healing of the palatal mucosa

BACKGROUND: The purpose was to evaluate the variation in thickness and early healing of the donor area of the palate with the placement of a collagen sponge and the use of fibrin-rich plasma (L-PRF). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty patients who required mucogingival surgery treatment were selected and distributed into 2 groups. After obtaining the free palate graft, L-PRF was placed in Group A, and a collagen sponge was placed in Group B. The healing process of the palate was evaluated at 24 hours and 7, 14, 21 and 28 days postsurgery. The thickness of the donor area (palate) was evaluated using an acrylic splint. These measurements were made before and 4 months after surgery. RESULTS: In the collagen sponge group, less gain of the palatal mucosa was observed, with a mean difference of 0.1 ± 0.8 mm (CI: −0.341–0.518) (p=0.691), whereas in the fibrin-rich plasma group, a mean difference of 0.0 ± 0.5 mm (CI: −0.229–0.229) (p=0.934) was found; however, when comparing the gain of the palatal mucosa in both groups, no significant difference was observed (p=0.932). The healing index at 24 hours indicated the presence of clots, on Day 28 vascularisation and total epithelialisation (100.0%), and finally, the collagen sponge group on Day 14 presented 93.3% partial vascularisation of connective tissue and 33.3% L-PRF (p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: There was no statistically significant difference in the thickness of the palatal mucosa after the use of L-PRF and the collagen sponge. Key words:Palate thickness, connective tissue graft, fibrin-rich plasma, collagen sponge, palate healing.