Impact of platelet-rich fibrin derivatives on patient morbidity and quality of life in palatal donor sites following free gingival graft surgery: a randomized clinical trial

Platelet concentrates are biomaterials with significant potential in tissue regeneration, functioning as scaffolds with greater leukocyte inclusion and a flexible fibrin mesh. However these concentrates have different preparation methods and biological properties. The objective of this clinical investigation was to evaluate the effects of utilizing platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) materials (L-PRF and A-PRF) as a palatal bandage following free gingival graft (FGG) on patients’ morbidity and oral health-related quality of life.

Thirty-nine participants received FGG to promote keratinized tissue and treat gingival recession. Participants were randomly assigned to L-PRF, A-PRF, and control groups, with 13 participants in each. They used a visual analog scale (VAS) to rate their pain, analgesic medication use, dietary changes, discomfort, and bleeding at 1–7 days, 14 days and 1 month during the healing process. Patients’ quality of life was assessed using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) at baseline, 1–7 days, 14 days, 1 month, and 6 months.

There was no difference in anxiety levels between the all groups. (p > 0.05). The control group had higher OHIP-14 total scores than the other groups, but the differences were not statistically significant, especially in the first seven days (p > 0.05). In addition, the PRF groups showed an improvement in quality of life after 14 days, 1 month, and 6 months (p < 0.05). Patients’ pain and suffering decreased with healing. The control group took more postoperative analgesics than PRF groups. In addition, there was a significant decrease in patient complaints about medicine intake, bleeding, pain, perceived sensitivity, and dietary modifications in all groups during follow-up.

PRF palatal bandages may improve patient’s quality of life, donor site healing, postoperative pain and morbidity.

This study found that preserving the palate in FGG and employing PRF materials that speed palate healing reduce discomfort and morbidity.