The use of platelet-rich fibrin in vestibuloplasty: A 36-month follow-up technique report

Abstract

Introduction Vestibuloplasty is a mucogingival procedure that aims to increase the vestibule and the amount of keratinized tissue (KT) around teeth and dental implants. Currently, the gold standard in this procedure is still represented by free gingival grafts (FGGs); however, they require a second surgical site, which means more morbidity for the patient and a higher risk of surgical complications, as well as surgical time and chromatic alteration of the recipient area.

Case Presentation This is a description of the vestibuloplasty technique with platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) in a 35-year-old female patient with a thin gingival phenotype and no medical history of interest. The reason for consultation was tooth sensitivity during brushing and the presence of recessions in the fifth sextant.

Conclusions The use of PRF as a graft biomaterial in vestibuloplasty is a valid and effective option as an alternative to secondary epithelialization of the surgical site, as well as to FGGs, with acceptable results in terms of KT gain and root coverage, and with minimal postoperative discomfort