Evaluation of soft tissue and crestal bone changes around non-submerged implants with and without a platelet-rich fibrin membrane: A randomized controlled clinical trial

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) membranes are known to enhance wound healing after periodontal surgeries and dental implant procedures. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of PRF on soft tissue healing and the crestal bone level (CBL) around non-submerged dental implants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 40 patients, aged 20-60 years, with partially edentulous posterior mandibular sites were divided into 2 groups of 20 patients each: group I received non-submerged implants with a PRF membrane; and group II was treated with non-submerged implants alone. The examined parameters included the modified plaque index (mPI), the gingival index (GI), the width of keratinized tissue (WKT), the thickness of keratinized tissue (TKT), and CBL, assessed using digital intraoral periapical radiography (IOPA). All parameters were measured at baseline (immediately post-op), and at 3-month and 6-month follow-ups. RESULTS: In comparison with baseline, statistically significant increases in WKT and TKT were observed in both groups at 3 and 6 months post-op (p < 0.05). Also, significant gains were noted in group I vs. group II (p < 0.05). The CBL increased significantly in both groups at 3 and 6 months post-op (p < 0.05), with no remarkable differences from 3 to 6 months. A decreased CBL was observed in group I vs. group II at the 3- and 6-month intervals (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The PRF membrane enhances peri-implant tissue wound healing, with gains in soft tissue width and thickness around non-submerged implants.