Clinical and histological comparison of platelet-rich fibrin versus non-eugenol periodontal dressing in the treatment of gingival hyperpigmentation

BACKGROUND: The platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) has proven an immense role in angiogenesis and epithelization in a wound healing process. The present study aims to ascertain PRF's beneficial role in wound healing after depigmentation surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 12 systemically healthy controls included were divided into two groups after scalpel depigmentation procedure. PRF was prepared according to Choukroun's standard protocol. Using split-mouth design after depigmentation, one group received PRF membrane, and in second group non-eugenol periodontal dressing was placed. The participants were evaluated for visual analog scale (VAS), healing index (HI) on 3(rd) and 5(th) day. Epithelization test using toluidine blue and histological examination employing punch biopsy was done on the 5(th) day. RESULTS: On statistical scale, VAS, HI, epithelization test, and histological findings were statistically significant in the two study groups. PRF group proved better epithelization test and inflammatory cell infiltration was less in PRF group which confirmed superior wound healing in the group. CONCLUSION: PRF membrane postdepigmentation provided satisfactory patient comfort and enhanced the wound healing cascade.