Free gingival graft associated with prf in the treatment of gingival recession: case report

Abstract

Gingival recession or retraction is a frequent mucogingival alteration that causes aesthetic and functional impairment. The objective of this case report is to present the surgical treatment of a gingival recession using a traditional approach—the free gingival graft (FGG)—associated with platelet-rich fibrin (PRF). A 20-year-old female patient, undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment, was referred to the periodontics clinic at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro complaining of pain in the region of teeth 31/41. Clinical examination revealed gingival recession with an absence of keratinized tissue and interproximal bone loss, classified as Cairo Type 2 (RT2) recession. The treatment plan included periodontal plastic surgery to achieve a gain in keratinized tissue, providing patient comfort and improving hygiene capacity in the area. The procedure involved the removal of a free gingival graft from the palate and vestibuloplasty (vestibular deepening) in a single surgical stage. The graft was positioned in the recession area, and the palatal wound was covered with PRF obtained from the patient's own peripheral blood. During the postoperative evaluation period, a satisfactory gain of gingival tissue was observed in the target area, and the patient reported a significant reduction in pain. 

Keywords: gingival retraction; gingival recession; free gingival graft; platelet-rich fibrin.