Effect of platelet-rich fibrin palatal bandage on pain scores and wound healing after free gingival graft: a randomized controlled clinical trial

ObjectiveThis prospective randomized clinical trial was conducted to determine whether the application of a platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) palatal bandage after harvesting free gingival grafts (FGG) would improve healing of donor sites and decrease pain scores and patient discomfort.Materials and methodsTwenty-four patients received FGG to augment keratinized tissue dimensions. The application of a PRF bandage was decided randomly (n=12 in each group). Patients reported their pain levels for the first 7days of healing using the visual analog scale (VAS), 101-point numerical rating scale (NRS-101), and 4-point verbal rating scale (VRS-4). The patients' pre-operative anxiety levels were measured using three anxiety scales. The healing of the donor sites was evaluated and compared to preoperative records. Data were assessed and recorded before surgery and at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8weeks postoperatively.ResultsDental anxiety and state-trait anxiety were evaluated at baseline and correlated to the postoperative pain scores. There were no significant differences in anxiety levels between the two groups; yet, they could potentially influence the outcome of any surgery and were included as covariates. The patients in the PRF group reported significantly lower pain scores and their pain levels returned to baseline levels earlier, compared to the control group.ConclusionsPRF palatal bandages significantly reduced postoperative pain and discomfort and facilitated wound healing after harvesting FGG.Clinical relevanceThe study provided evaluation of patient-centered outcomes, which is timely, significant, and could benefit both periodontists and patients.