Effect of Platelet-rich Fibrin and Free Gingival Graft in the Treatment of Soft Tissue Defect preceding Implant Placement

Introduction:Free gingival graft is a procedure that is used to increase keratinized tissue around teeth and edentulous sites for future dental implants.Keratinized tissue is critical for maintainability of surgical site and flap management.Platelet-rich fibrin consists of bioactive and biological components, mainly composed of growth factors.Growth factors attract stem cells to the site of release and stimulate cell proliferation.Moreover, growth factors promote angiogenesis, which accelerates wound healing.Site preparation is critical in implant dentistry, including soft tissue and hard tissue augmentation. Aim:To improve free gingival graft (FGG) healing by using platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) at the soft tissue defect area of extracted upper right first molar in order to restore keratinized tissue and prepare the site for bone grafting followed by dental implant placement.Case report: A healthy female patient, 59 years old, presented to the dental clinic at the University at Buffalo, School of Dental Medicine, seeking dental implants to restore missing teeth.The patient had an extraction for upper right first molar 4 months ago.The surgical extraction left severe soft and hard tissue defects at the site.Free gingival graft was placed at the site to increase keratinized tissue band followed by PRF to improve healing.Cyanoacrylate adhesive was used to stabilize PRF.Two months later, a full-thickness flap was reflected, and tenting screws placed with bone grafting at the site.Titanium-reenforced membrane was placed over the bone graft.Three months later, tenting screws were removed and two dental implants were placed at the site.