Effect of Injectable Platelet-rich Fibrin (i-PRF) on Wound Healing After Gingivectomy

Clinical and Biochemical Evaluation of the Effect of Injectable Platelet-rich Fibrin Applied to the Operation Site After Gingivectomy

This study evaluates the clinical and biochemical effects of injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF) on wound healing after gingivectomy, a surgical procedure used to treat gingival overgrowth. Using a split-mouth design, i-PRF was applied to the surgical site on one side of the mouth (test group), while the other side was treated with conventional gingivectomy alone, without any additional material (control group). Clinical periodontal parameters (plaque index, gingival index, probing depth, clinical attachment level, and bleeding on probing) were assessed at baseline, before surgery, and 28 days after surgery. Additionally, levels of PDGF, IGF-1, and IL-18 in gingival crevicular fluid were measured before surgery and on the third postoperative day to evaluate the biochemical impact of i-PRF on wound healing. A total of 31 participants aged 15-50 years were included in the study.

Inclusion Criteria:Achieving an optimal level of oral hygiene following Phase I periodontal therapy

• Presence of bilateral, symmetric chronic inflammatory gingival overgrowth in the anterior mandibular or maxillary region
• Absence of attachment loss and bone loss at the surgical site
• Absence of systemic conditions that could affect wound healing and periodontal surgical outcomes, such as uncontrolled diabetes, cancer, HIV, or metabolic bone diseases
• No use of systemic corticosteroids, immunosuppressive agents, radiotherapy, and/or chemotherapy prescribed or taken within 2 months prior to the study intervention, which could affect study outcomes, wound healing, and the coagulation mechanism
• Normal physiological hormonal balance

Exclusion Criteria:

Patients unable to achieve optimal oral hygiene or with poor compliance/communication

• Presence of any systemic disease adversely affecting periodontal health and post-procedural wound healing (e.g., diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, neurological disorders, pulmonary and renal diseases)
• Use of medications known to cause gingival overgrowth, including immunosuppressants, anticonvulsants, and calcium channel blockers
• Pregnancy or lactation in female participants
• Presence of moderate to advanced gingivitis or periodontitis
• Current smoking