Gingival tissue health plays a vital role in maintaining both esthetic stability and oral function. Gingival recession—a condition in which the gums migrate apically from their normal position, exposing the tooth root surface—often presents clinical challenges that are both esthetic and functional in nature.
With advances in modern dentistry, gingival regeneration concepts now emphasize the use of biomaterials, biological substances capable of stimulating tissue healing and natural periodontal regeneration.
Challenges in Gingival Recession Cases
Gingival recession treatment requires an approach that restores soft and hard tissue structures harmoniously. The main challenges include:
- Limited blood supply in the recession area, which delays healing.
- Suboptimal stability of grafted tissue;
- Risk of infection and postoperative patient discomfort.
To address these issues, recent studies have increasingly explored the use of autologous biomaterials, such as platelet concentrates, which accelerate regeneration through the release of natural growth factors.
The Role of Biomaterials in Gingival Therapy
Biomaterials function as scaffolds that support soft and hard tissue regeneration by:
- Maintaining blood clot stability;
- Enhancing fibroblast and osteoblast migration;
- Stimulating angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation);
- Accelerating collagen and epithelial formation.
Materials such as platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF), collagen membranes, and bioceramic gels are now widely used in minimally invasive techniques for gingival recession treatment.
Recent Study: PRF and i-PRF in Gingival Recession
A study conducted by FKG UGM student Stevanus Ricardo, under the supervision of drg. Kwartarini Murdiastuti, Sp.Perio(K), Ph.D., and Dr. drg. Dahlia Herawati, S.U., Sp.Perio(K), entitled “The Use of Platelet-Rich Fibrin and Injectable Platelet-Rich Fibrin in Minimally Invasive Gingival Recession Treatment,” demonstrated that combining PRF and i-PRF resulted in superior tissue healing outcomes compared to conventional methods.
Both materials work by releasing growth factors such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), which synergistically accelerate marginal gingival regeneration and reduce postoperative inflammation.
PRF acts as a dense fibrin matrix that stabilizes the surgical site, while i-PRF, in liquid form, enhances growth factor infiltration into surrounding tissues. Their combined application yields improved esthetic and functional outcomes through a minimally invasive and biologically natural approach.
Biomaterial Innovation for the Future
Current developments in dental biomaterials are moving toward bioactive and biodegradable substances that can be absorbed by the body without triggering immune responses. Technologies such as nanofiber scaffolds, growth factor encapsulation, and 3D bioprinting of gingival tissue are predicted to shape the future of regenerative gingival therapy. These approaches enable more precise, efficient, and sustainable treatment of periodontal tissue damage.
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Gingival margin regeneration using biomaterials represents a critical step in the evolution of modern periodontal therapy. The use of PRF and i-PRF as natural biological materials accelerates healing, enhances esthetic outcomes, and reduces surgical invasiveness. Recent research confirms that combining biological therapy with minimally invasive techniques yields significant improvements in gingival recession treatment while maintaining long-term periodontal health.
Advances in biomaterial-based gingival regeneration not only improve clinical outcomes but also introduce a new paradigm toward more biological, minimally invasive, and sustainable dental care. This approach serves as a key pillar in achieving global health goals and strengthening innovation in regenerative dentistry.
References
STEVANUS RICARDO, drg. kwartarini Murdiastuti, Sp.Perio(K), Ph.D.; Dr. drg. Dahlia Herawati, S.U., Sp.Perio(K), PENGGUNAAN PLATELET-RICH FIBRIN DAN INJECTABLE-PLATELET- RICH FIBRIN PADA PERAWATAN RESESI GINGIVA DENGAN TEKNIK MINIMAL INVASIF, https://etd.repository.ugm.ac.id/penelitian/detail/199049
Author: Rizky B. Hendrawan | Photo: Freepik
