Comparative analysis of platelet-rich fibrin membrane and 0.2% hyaluronic acid gel on healing following gingival depigmentation procedure.

Introduction: Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) accelerates wound healing by promoting faster cicatricial tissue remodeling and excellent neovascularization. Hyaluronic acid (HA) being biocompatible, anti-inflammatory, and proangiogenic leads to improvement in the rate of wound healing.

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of PRF membrane and 0.2% HA gel on wounds after gingival depigmentation surgery.

Materials and methods: This study was carried out on 30 systemically healthy individuals recruited from the pool of patients who visited the department of periodontology. After depigmentation procedure in every patient, the sites were divided into three even groups. Group A received PRF membrane and periodontal dressing, Group B received 0.2% HA gel application and periodontal dressing, and Group C served as a control group in which only periodontal dressing was placed. The individuals were evaluated for the healing index (HI) and Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) on the 3^rd and 5^th day. Epithelialization test (ET) was performed on the 5^th day. Gingival biotype was reassessed and compared to preoperative value after 3 months. The clinical trial was expressed in terms of mean and standard deviation. Intra-group comparison and inter-group comparison were done through the Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA test. All statistical tests were performed through SPSS version 25.0 (IBM).

Results: The inter-group statistical analysis concerning NRS, HI, and ET showed statistically significant results in Groups A and B compared to Group C (P < 0.05), while gingival biotype showed statistically significant results in Group A compared to Groups B and C.

Conclusion: The use of PRF membrane and HA gel to protect the raw wound site of depigmented gingiva proved to be an effective approach, resulting in faster healing.