Comparative evaluation of platelet-rich fibrin membrane and connective tissue graft in the treatment of multiple adjacent recession defects: A clinical study

Background/purposeThe expanded mesh connective tissue graft (e-MCTG) is an effective method for the treatment of multiple adjacent recession-type defects (MARD). Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a second-generation platelet concentrate. The aim of the present study was to assess the effectiveness and the predictability of the PRF membrane (PRF-M) for the treatment of MARD, and also to compare it with e-MCTG.Materials and methodsA total of 106 buccal gingival recessions were treated with coronally advanced flap (CAF) + (e-MCTG) or with (CAF) + (PRF-M). Clinical measurements recorded at baseline and 6 months after surgery included plaque index and gingival index, probing depth, recession depth, recession width, apicocoronal width of keratinized tissue, and clinical attachment level.ResultsSix months after the surgery, statistically significant gain in root coverage, recession width, clinical attachment level, and keratinized tissue were assessed in both groups. No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups for all of these parameters.ConclusionThe results of this study indicate that the use of PRF allowed the treatment of MARD with adequate wound healing and highly predictable root coverage. More expanded clinical studies are needed to confirm these findings.