Evaluation of Esthetic Root Coverage Using Platelet-Rich Fibrin Versus Subepithelial Connective Tissue Graft With Vestibular Incision Subperiosteal Tunnel Access Technique in Patients With Multiple Gingival Recessions: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Gingival recession is defined as apical displacement of gingival margin beyond the cementoenamel junction leading to the exposure of root surface. There are various etiologic factors for gingival recession like trauma, infection and other anatomical factors.

Nowadays, periodontal plastic surgeries for treatment of gingival recession have become an important array due to increase in patient's esthetic demands and other conditions such as dentin hypersensitivity, root caries or abrasion, keratinized tissue augmentation and gingival margin discrepancy.

Subepithelial connective tissue grafts (SCTG) are considered the gold standard to obtain maximum root coverage due to its characteristics of quick keratinization and periodontal connective tissue adherence, in addition to its good blood supply to the graft and high degree of gingival color match and esthetics. However, the application of this technique is limited by the thickness of the donor tissue, anatomical factors, limited quantity compromising their use in multiple recession, tissue morbidity, and technique sensitive with postoperative pain, bleeding and swelling.

Accordingly, alternative membranes and new biomaterials have been introduced to overcome the limitations of SCTG.

Platelet rich fibrin (PRF) was introduced; a second generation platelet concentrate. PRF contains growth factors that play an essential role in soft and hard tissue regeneration; they promote fibroblastic proliferation, increase tissue vascularization, enhance soft tissue healing potential and accelerate bone regeneration. These growth factors include (PDGFs), epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).