Use of Platelet-Rich Fibrin Membranes With Single Implant Placement for Peri-Implant Mucosal Thickness Augmentation: A Case Series Study

INTRODUCTION: The use of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) membranes has been evaluated for different purposes. However, few studies aimed to assess the effect of PRF membranes on peri-implant mucosal thickness augmentation. Thus, the aim was to evaluate whether the use of PRF membranes placed using the same surgical procedure of single implant installation in the anterior area of the maxilla can result in peri-implant mucosal thickness increase. CASE SERIES: Eight patients received single maxillary implants (anterior area), covered by three PRF membranes (2,500 rpm/12 minutes, RCFmax = 719.71 g). Clinical parameters (baseline and 3 months postoperative) and patient-centered parameters were evaluated. The buccal peri-implant mucosal thickness (BMT) and ridge defect (RD) parameters showed a statistically significant difference, with a gain of 0.7 ± 0.3 mm in BMT and reduction of 0.8 ± 0.3 mm in RD. Supracrestal tissue height (STH) was >3 mm after 3 months. Postoperative pain and number of analgesics showed low values (0.95 ± 1.06 and 1.92 ± 2.75), respectively, using a visual analog scale (VAS). CONCLUSION: The use of three PRF membranes along with single implant placement in the anterior maxilla led to an increase in the BMT.