The Effect of Using Injectable Platelet-rich Fibrin with Microneedling Technique on Creeping Attachment

Gingival recession is the term used to describe the apical positioning of the marginal gingiva from the cemento-enamel junction. Gingival recession can cause hypersensitivity, pain, root caries, cervical erosion and/or abrasion, tooth loss, increased plaque accumulation as a result of exposure of the root surface to the oral environment, and therefore inflammation. Platelet-rich fibrin has been used routinely for more than 20 years to increase keratinized gingival thickness and close gingival recessions due to the growth factors it contains. In a study examining the effect of injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF) combined with free gingival graft (SDG) on SDG, it was shown that i-PRF has a positive effect on root surface closure. In the literature, studies to increase gingival thickness have reported that the application of i-PRF with microneedle is less invasive and i-PRF shows good results in increasing gingival thickness. The term creeping attachment is defined as the coronal positioning of the gingiva, especially after free gingival graft or connective tissue operations in the mandibular anterior region. There are various hypotheses explaining the mechanism of the creeping attachment - such as the contraction of collagen fibrils - but this issue has not been clarified yet. In some studies presented, it has been reported that the creeping attachment condition starts in the 2nd month postoperatively and can be seen even after 5 years. In the literature, there are studies evaluating the application of i-PRF with the microneedling technique, but there is no study evaluating the creeping attachment phenomenon and the closure percentage of gingival recession with the creeping attachment after the application of this technique. The aim of this study is to evaluate the closure rates of gingival recession and creeping attachment phenomenon after i-PRF application with microneedling technique. Systemically healthy non-smoker patients older than 18 years of age with gingival recession in mandibular anterior teeth and keratinized gingival deficiency will be included in the study. Systemic and dental anamnesis will be taken from the patient before the operation and clinical measurements will be recorded.

Periodontal indices and clinical measurements will be taken from the patients with gingival recession after Phase I treatment and oral hygiene training. The clinical periodontal measurements to be taken are as follows:

1. Plaque index (Löe&Silness): It is obtained by measuring with a periodontal probe from 4 regions of a tooth (mesial, distal, buccal and lingual).
2. Gingival index (Silness & Löe): It is obtained by measuring with a periodontal probe from 4 regions of a tooth (mesial, distal, buccal and lingual).
3. Attachment loss: It is the value of the distance between a tooth and the free gingiva by using a periodontal probe, based on the enamel-cementum junction.
4. Bleeding on probing index (Ainamo & Bay): In this index, probing is performed by gently walking around the pocket. As a result of probing, the evaluation is made by looking at the presence or absence of bleeding in the gingiva. A positive value is given if bleeding occurs within 10-15 seconds after probing in the mesial, distal, buccal and lingual parts of all teeth. The ratio of the bleeding area to the examined area is expressed as %.
5. Pocket depth: It is the vertical distance measured between a standard periodontal probe and the base of the periodontal sulcus and the gingival margin.
6. Keratinized gingival height: It is the distance from the free gingival margin to the mucogingival junction line.
7. Keratinized gingival thickness: It is the distance measured between the gingival surface and hard tissue with a standard periodontal probe inserted perpendicular to the keratinized gingiva.
8. Gingival recession depth: It is obtained by measuring the distance between the gingival margin in the midbuccal region and the enamel-cementum junction.
9. Gingival recession width: It is the amount of mesio-distal width of recession from the midpoint of the distance between the enamel cement junction and the gingival margin.
10. Keratinized mucosa thickness: After local anesthesia, it is measured with a periodontal probe or with the help of a spreader and rubber stopper.
11. Gingival phenotype: Visibility of the periodontal probe in the sulcus
12. Vestibular sulcus depth: It is the distance measured from the gingival margin to the base of the sulcus.

Obtaining Standardized Photographs Photographs of the region will be taken to measure the keratinized gingival width and gingival recession. The camera lens will be set perpendicular to the area when taking pictures. In order to determine the measurements in millimeters and to standardize the measurements on the photographs, 4.0 mm long rods of 1 mm thick round wire will be prepared. Photos will be taken in this way by placing it on the soft tissue close to the operation area. In order to standardize photographic images, images will be obtained with the same camera using the same standard magnification size.

Surgical Operation