Horizontal Platelet-Rich Fibrin in Vestibuloplasty: A Case Report

Abstract

Vestibuloplasty (VP) is a surgical technique that allows the deepening of the vestibule of the mouth. The gold standard, especially if an increase in keratinized tissue (KT) is required, is represented by the free gingival graft (FGG). The need for a donor site, however, is a source of discomfort and possible complications. To overcome these aspects, numerous techniques and materials have been used. Horizontal platelet-rich fibrin (H-PRF) has been very successful in recent years in various oral surgery procedures due to its ability to promote tissue healing and regeneration. The reported case presents a new technique of VP using H-PRF, which allows avoiding the second surgical site. A 25-year-old patient with post-surgical reduction of vestibule depth and poor KT was treated with VP. The patient refused an FGG procedure. Therefore, VP was performed using an H-PRF membrane as a graft material to lengthen the vestibule and promote KT regeneration. After nine weeks, an increase in vestibule depth and KT width was evident. The use of H-PRF in VP has allowed predictable surgery without significant complications. It therefore represents an alternative to the traditional FGG to be seriously taken into consideration.