CLINICAL COMPARISON OF THREE METHODS FOR VESTIBULOPLASTY IN THE ANTERIOR PART OF THE MANDIBULE

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this research was to use platelet-rich fibrin membranes as an alternative to autogenous epithelial grafts for vestibuloplasty procedures and to compare the results from different vestibuloplasty techniques. Materials and methods: The study includes two patients with atrophic lower jaw who require deepening of the vestibulum in the frontal area of the mandible. The surgical site in both of the patients was divided into two equal halves. Half of the prepared bed in each patient was plastically covered with free epithelial graft. On the first patient, the second part of the surgical site included the performing of Edlan-Mejchar technique. On the second patient, the entire surgical site was plastically covered with a PRF membrane. Follow up of the healing process was performed on the 7th, 14th and 30th day. Results: The post-operative period underwent without any complications in all areas. The healing process was better in the second patient where a PRF membrane was used. Conclusion: The final result of the technique for vestibuloplasty with a PRF membrane revealed that it might be a good alternative compared to other techniques which are widely used in practice. Further research is needed to confirm our results.