Titanium-prepared Platelet-rich Fibrin for Treatment of Gingival Recession Using the VISTA Technique

Overview

This split-mouth randomized clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness of titanium-prepared platelet-rich fibrin (T-PRF) and connective tissue graft (CTG) in the treatment of Miller Class I and II gingival recession using the Vertical Incision Subperiosteal Tunnel Access (VISTA) technique. Twenty systemically healthy adult participants with bilateral gingival recession defects will receive both interventions, with one side randomly assigned to T-PRF and the contralateral side assigned to CTG. Clinical outcomes including recession depth, attached gingival width, probing depth, relative attachment level, healing, and patient satisfaction will be evaluated over a 6-month follow-up period.

Gingival recession is a common periodontal condition characterized by apical displacement of the gingival margin, resulting in root exposure, dentin hypersensitivity, esthetic concerns, and increased susceptibility to root caries. Connective tissue grafts (CTG) are widely considered the gold standard for root coverage procedures due to their predictable clinical outcomes. However, CTG requires harvesting tissue from a secondary surgical donor site, which may increase postoperative discomfort and patient morbidity. Titanium-prepared platelet-rich fibrin (T-PRF) is a second-generation autologous platelet concentrate prepared using titanium tubes, which may enhance fibrin network quality and improve soft tissue healing and regeneration. T-PRF has been proposed as a less invasive alternative to CTG in periodontal plastic surgery. The present study is designed as a split-mouth randomized controlled clinical trial to compare T-PRF and CTG in the treatment of bilateral Miller Class I and II gingival recession defects using the Vertical Incision Subperiosteal Tunnel Access (VISTA) technique. Twenty systemically healthy adult participants with symmetrical gingival recession defects will be enrolled. Each participant will receive both interventions: one side of the mouth will be randomly assigned to treatment with VISTA combined with CTG, while the contralateral side will receive VISTA combined with T-PRF. Randomization will be performed using a computer-generated allocation sequence prepared by an independent investigator. Due to the nature of the interventions, operator blinding is not feasible; however, all clinical measurements and outcome assessments will be conducted by a blinded examiner. Clinical parameters including gingival recession depth, attached gingival width, probing depth, and relative attachment level will be measured at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively using a UNC-15 periodontal probe. Early wound healing will be assessed at 1, 2, and 4 weeks using a healing index. Patient-reported satisfaction and postoperative outcomes will be evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS). The study aims to determine whether T-PRF can provide comparable clinical and patient-centered outcomes to CTG while reducing the morbidity associated with donor site harvesting.