Microsurgical management of gingival recession using pouch and tunnel technique with or without 20 % propolis irrigation: A randomized controlled trial.

AIM: To evaluate the adjunctive effect of 20 % propolis irrigation with platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) in the microsurgical Pouch and Tunnel technique for Miller's Class I and II gingival recession defects.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Eighteen patients with Miller's Class I and II recession defects were randomly assigned to two groups: Group A (test, n = 16 sites) received 20 % propolis irrigation followed by the Pouch and Tunnel technique with PRF under a surgical microscope, while Group B (control, n = 13 sites) received the same procedure without propolis. Clinical parameters included Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI), Probing Depth (PD), Relative Clinical Attachment Level (RCAL), Recession Depth (RD), and Width of Keratinized Tissue (WKT) which were recorded at baseline and 3 months.

RESULTS

Both groups showed significant intragroup improvement in GI, PI, RCAL, RD and WKT from baseline to 3 months. Intergroup comparison revealed significantly greater reduction in RD and gain in WKT in the propolis group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Within the study's limitations, adjunctive use of 20 % propolis irrigation with PRF enhanced root coverage outcomes and increased keratinized tissue width compared to PRF alone. These preliminary findings suggest that propolis may serve as a beneficial adjunct in minimally invasive periodontal plastic surgery.