Efficacy of Platelet-rich Fibrin in Interdental Papilla Reconstruction as Compared to Connective Tissue Using Microsurgical Approach

AIM: This study aims to evaluate autologous platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and autogenous connective tissue graft (CTG) in interdental papilla (IDP) reconstruction with buccal and palatal split-thickness flap (STF) using microsurgical technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty Class I or Class II open gingival or cervical embrasure in maxillary anterior region in 14 patients were surgical treated for the reconstruction of IDP. For experimental Group I (STF with PRF, n = 20), surgical site was flushed with PRF fluid. PRF was then placed under the buccal flap and in the IDP region and squeezed. For experimental Group II (STF with CTG, n = 20) after the preparation of recipient site, CTG procured from palate was trimmed to the desired size and shape and placed at the site. Clinical parameters and patient satisfaction response recorded were plaque index, gingival index, probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level, height of IPD, and papilla index score (PIS). RESULTS: STF surgery in combination with PRF or CTG, are an effective procedure to increase IDP-height with mean values of 3.10 mm (87.3%) and 3.45 mm (95.8%) for Group I (STF + PRF) and Group II (STF + CTG), respectively. In terms of complete fill (CF) achieved at 3 months, in the present study, the result showed that 90% CF was obtained in Group I (STF + PRF) and 95% in Group II (STF + CTG). The patient response and acceptance for surgical treatment modality in terms of patient postsurgical discomfort score and patient esthetic score was higher for Group II (STF + CTG) than Group I (STF + PRF). CONCLUSION: Based on single-centered 3 months' follow-up, it may be concluded that STF surgery in combination with PRF or CTG is an effective procedure to increase IDP-height; however, a long-term multicentric randomized clinical trial may be necessary to evaluate the clinical outcome for autologous PRF in comparison to CTG with STF.