Platelet-rich fibrin as an adjunct to palatal wound healing after harvesting a free gingival graft: A case series

Abstract

Background:Owing to its stimulatory effect on angiogenesis and epithelialization, platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is an excellent material for enhancing wound healing. The use of PRF dressings may be a simple and effective method of reducing the morbidity associated with donor sites of autogenous free gingival grafts (FGGs). The purpose of this case series is to document the beneficial role of PRF in the healing of FGG donor sites.Materials and Methods:A total of 18 patients treated with FGGs could be classified into two groups. PRF was prepared, compressed and used to dress the palatal wound followed by a periodontal pack in one group (10 patients) and only a periodontal pack was used in the other group (8 patients). Post-operative healing was assessed clinically at 7, 14 and 21 days and the morbidity was assessed qualitatively by an interview.Results:Sites where PRF was used showed complete wound closure by 14 days and these patients reported lesser post-operative morbidity than patients in whom PRF was not used.Conclusions:PRF as a dressing is an effective method of enhancing the healing of the palatal donor site and consequently reducing the post-operative morbidity.

A novel clinical protocol for the greater palatine compression suture: A case report

“…Most techniques for managing palatal bleeding described thus far involve the use of local hemostatic agents, ligature wires, periodontal dressings, modified Hawley's appliance, platelet-rich fibrin, and electrocoagulation among others. [ 4 5 ]…”

Palatal bandage

“…We read the article “Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) as an adjunct to palatal wound healing after harvesting a free gingival graft (FGG): A case series” authored by Kulkarni et al . [ 1 ] with great interest.…”

“…Kulkarni et al . [ 1 ] evaluated epithelialization as one of the criteria for palatal wound healing by looking at wound closure. We believe that clinical evaluation of wound healing by looking at wound closure is a very subjective criterion.…”

“…Kulkarni et al . [ 1 ] compared the palatal wound healing with sites where PRF was not used. There is no mention of status of healing after 14 days in the case report, especially about the non-PRF donor sites, which showed incomplete wound closure and some inflammation in the adjacent areas on the 14 th day.…”

Author′s reply: Platelet-rich fibrin as an adjunct to palatal wound healing after harvesting a free gingival graft: A case series

“…In response to the letter written with reference to our article,[ 1 ] we would like to make the following comments:…”