Comparative evaluation of platelet rich fibrin matrix (PRFM) membrane and platelet rich fibrin (PRF) membrane using the vestibular incision subperiosteal tunnel access (VISTA) approach technique for the treatment of multiple gingival recession in humans: A double-blind, parallel-group, randomized controlled clinical trial

Abstract

Background: In this evolutionary era of dentistry, newer techniques have evolved for complete coverage of multiple recession defects (MRDs). Since 2012, MRDs have been treated using the vestibular incision subperiosteal tunnel access (VISTA) approach and a variety of regenerating membranes with varying degrees of success. Platelet‑rich fibrin matrix (PRFM) membrane has shown a robust release of growth factors and was known to enhance the healing process. Thus, in this study we have evaluated the effectiveness of platelet-rich fibrin matrix (PRFM) with that of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) membrane using the vestibular incision subperiosteal tunnel access (VISTA) technique in Miller Class I and II multiple gingival recession defects. Methods: This randomized, parallel designed, controlled, clinical study was conducted in 20 subjects (10 male and 10 female) having class I/II MGR defects either buccally or labially. The test group was treated with VISTA and PRF membrane while the control group was treated with VISTA and PRFM membrane. The clinical measurements such as plaque index, papillary bleeding index, probing pocket depth, relative attachment level (RAL) and relative gingival marginal level (R-GML), width of keratinized gingiva (WKG), gingival recession (REC) and gingival thickness (GT) were measured at baseline, three and six months. A Student’s paired t-test was utilized to analyse data from the day of surgery to six months. Results: Ten patients in the test group (89.23±15.04) and 10 patients in the control group (85.06±17.71) showed marked root coverage compared to baseline. Conclusions: Both test and control groups showed statistically significant enhancement in root coverage. However, no statistically significant difference was found when a comparison was made between the two groups in terms of PD, relative RAL, R-GML and REC reduction, gain in WKG, and increase in GT. Trial registration: CTRI/2021/07/035240, registered 29 July 2021.