Efficacy of root coverage with the use of the conventional versus laser-assisted flap technique with platelet-rich fibrin in class I and class II gingival recession: A randomized clinical trial

Background. The coronally advanced flap (CAF) technique is the preferred option in treating recession defects, especially when the attached gingiva is adequate. A laser-assisted vestibular releasing incision after surgery could enhance the outcome. Platelets, when used as adjunctive treatment, have shown good results. However, laser biostimulation post-surgery has not been studied.Objectives. The present study compared the benefits of using the conventional and laser-assisted flap technique with platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) in the treatment of class I and class II gingival recession.Material and methods. The study included 24 subjects, both males and females. The participants, diagnosed with Miller's class I and II gingival recession, were categorized into 2 groups: group A (n = 12) treated with CAF and PRF; and group B (n = 12) treated with laser-assisted CAF and PRF. Root coverage (RC), the probing depth (PD), the clinical attachment loss (CAL), and the keratinized tissue width (KTW) were assessed pre-and 6 months postoperatively. The wound healing index (WHI) and the visual analog scale (VAS) scores were assessed 1 week post-surgery.Results. Most clinical parameters improved significantly within the groups at 6 months postoperatively as compared to baseline (p < 0.05), except for PD and percentage root coverage (PRC). However, when intergroup comparisons were made, it was observed that both groups performed equally well and the differences between them were not significant.Conclusions. Both treatment modalities improved the clinical parameters post-surgery. However, further trials are warranted to affirm the benefits of the laser-assisted CAF technique.