Onlay platelet-rich fibrin membrane versus free gingival graft in increasing the width of keratinized mucosa around dental implants: A split-mouth randomized clinical study

Background. This study aimed to compare the use of the platelet-rich fibrin membrane (PRF) versus the free gingival graft (FGG) during the second stage of the dental implant to increase the amount of keratinized mucosa around dental implants.

Methods. Fifteen patients with bilaterally missing teeth and deficient width of the keratinized mucosa (KM) were recruited for a spit-mouth randomized controlled trial. After implant placement on the control sides, onlay FGG was used, whereas, on the other side (study side), onlay PRF membranes were applied to augment the KM. One month and three months after augmentation, the increase in keratinized mucosa width, bone level around the implants, and soft tissue health were evaluated and compared. The shrinkage percentage was also calculated for both grafts.

Results. There was a significant increase in the width of KM in the FGG and PRF groups; however, it was observed that FFG resulted in significantly better results than PRF, with no significant difference in peri-implant soft tissue health or bone level.

Conclusion. Within the limitations of this study, it was concluded that the onlay PRF membrane could increase the keratinized mucosa width around dental implants with the advantages of a lower surgical time and less postoperative discomfort and pain for the patients in comparison to the FGG. However, FGG had a significantly higher ability to augment and increase keratinized mucosa around dental implants.