A comparative clinical evaluation of titanium prepared platelet rich fibrin and subepithelial connective tissue graft for management of multiple gingival recession defects

A novel platelet-rich product has been developed that is desciribed titanium-prepared platelet-rich fibrin (T-PRF). T-PRF is based on the hypothesis that titanium may be more effective at activating platelets than the silica activators used with glass tubes in Choukroun's platelet-rich fibrin. There has been no study to date comparing the effectiveness and predictability of T-PRF with that of the gold standard subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) for root coverage. The purpose of this randomized clinical trial was to compare these different autogenous graft materials (T-PRF&SCTG) for the management of Miller Class I/II multiple adjacent gingival recessions. Thirty four patients were referred to our clinic with a total of 104 Miller Class I/II gingival recessions represented that exposed root surfaces showed abrasion defects, indicating toothbrushing trauma as the causative factor for the development of the recessions. Gingival recessions were randomly treated T-PRF (52 teeth) or SCTG (52 teeth) with modified tunnel technique. Clinical measurements, recorded at baseline, 3 months and 6 months postoperatively. VAS (Visual Analog Scale), healing index were evaluated and material thickness was recorded. While baseline gingival recession depth was 3.14±1.06 mm in T-PRF group, in SCTG group was 3.23±1.11 mm. After 6 months, in T-PRF group the mean root coverage was 91.80% and in SCTG group it was 88.66%. There was no statistical difference between the material thickness of the T-PRF (1.71±0.32) and SCTG (1.71±0.31). Keratinized tissue height and gingival thickness were increased in both of groups. Within the limits of this study, the results demonstrated that autogen T-PRF membrane is safe and effective in a treatment of Miller Class I/II gingival recession defects. T-PRF can be practised as an important alternative to SCTG.