Clinical Evaluation of Keratinized Tissue Thickness around Dental Implants with L-PRF: A Split-Mouth Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to objectively evaluate the effect of leukocyte-platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) on increasing the soft tissue thickness around dental implants placed in conventional way. Materials and Methods: This split mouth randomized clinical trial included seven patients (4 females and 3 males) received 24 dental implants inserted in conventional (delayed) protocol. Each patient has received at least two implants, one with PRF placement (to be included in study group), and the other without PRF (to be included in control group). The thickness of the soft tissue was measured at buccal side by transgingival measurement using endodontic reamer with a stopper, then the distance from the tip of the reamer to the stopper was measured by a digital vernier. These measurements were taken at baseline, one month and six months after surgery. Results: The mean of soft tissue thickness value at baseline was (2.98) and (2.84) for study and control groups respectively. After one month, the value for study group was (3.65) which was higher than control group (3.65), with a mean difference of (0.67) and (0.40) for study and control groups respectively. After six months, the mean value for the study group was (2.67) and for the control group was (2.59), with a mean difference of (-0.31) for the study group and (-0.25) for control group. Conclusion: In this study, the use of L-PRF has not been shown to be useful in increasing the soft thickness around dental implants. Funding: this study is self funding.