Shilpa Fotani, Lalitha B. Shiggaon, Alka Waghmare, Gunderao Kulkarni, Amol Agrawal, Rohit Tekwani

ABSTRACT

Introduction and Aim: The term gingival biotype has been used to describe the thickness of the gingiva in the faciopalatal dimension. A gingival thickness of ?2 mm is defined as thick biotype and a gingival thickness of <1.5 mm as thin biotype. A thin gingival biotype is considered as an important predisposing factor for gingival recessions. Gingival recession being common esthetic problem encountered in rountine dental practice, an attempt should be made to increase the gingival thickness inorder to prevent gingival recession. A liquid injectable-platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF) is a rich source of autologous growth factor and is recently being used in regenerative dentistry. So, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of i-PRF on thin gingival biotype. Methodology: Forty sites from systemically healthy patients having thin gingival biotype were included in this study. iPRF was injected at the selected site using microneedle at baseline, 1 week and 2 weeks. Plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), gingival thickness (GT) and keratinized tissue width (KTW) were assessed before the treatment and one month and three months after the final injections. Results: At baseline mean PI, GI, GT and KTW were 0.63, 0.90, 0.55mm and 5.25mm respectively. At one month and three months follow up, there was statistically significant difference seen in PI, GI, GT and KTW. Mean GT increased from 0.55mm at baseline to 1.05mm and 1.03mm at 1month and 3months respectively. Conclusion: i-PRF using microneedle can be effective for increasing gingival thickness in subjects having thin gingival biotype.