Comparative efficacy of autologous platelet-rich fibrin and collagen membrane on clinical outcomes following vestibuloplasty: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND

Adequate vestibular depth and attached gingiva are essential for successful periodontal and prosthetic rehabilitation. Vestibuloplasty is frequently performed to correct shallow vestibules; however, relapse due to scar formation remains a concern. Autologous platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and collagen membranes are increasingly explored as biological wound dressing materials to improve healing outcomes. This randomized controlled trial compared the clinical efficacy of PRF and collagen membrane following vestibuloplasty.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Thirty-four systemically healthy patients requiring mandibular anterior vestibuloplasty were randomly allocated into two groups: Group A (PRF, n = 17) and Group B (collagen membrane, n = 17). A standardized surgical protocol and postoperative regimen were followed. Clinical parameters assessed included postoperative pain (Visual Analog Scale), wound healing (Landry Healing Index), vestibular depth (VD), and width of attached gingiva (WAG) at baseline, Day 7, Day 15, 1 month, and 3 months. Statistical analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney U test for intergroup comparisons, and Friedman's test with Wilcoxon signed-rank test for intragroup comparisons. Significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

PRF significantly reduced postoperative pain at all evaluated time points compared to collagen membrane (p < 0.05). Collagen membrane demonstrated superior wound healing scores on Day 15 and at 3 months (p < 0.05), with comparable outcomes between groups at 1 month. WAG increased significantly in both groups, with no intergroup differences. However, Group B exhibited significantly greater gains in VD at both 1 month (p = 0.002) and 3 months (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

PRF is advantageous in controlling immediate postoperative pain, while collagen membrane provides superior long-term wound healing and vestibular depth augmentation. Both materials are equally effective in maintaining attached gingiva width. The selection of dressing material should be guided by the clinician's primary objective-whether prioritizing postoperative comfort or enhancing regenerative outcomes.