J Contemp Dent Pract. 2026 Feb 1;27(2):170-178. doi: 10.5005/jp-journals-10024-4022.
ABSTRACT
AIM: To compare the clinical efficacy of injectable vitamin C and injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF), each combined with microneedling (MN), in enhancing gingival thickness (GT) among individuals with a thin gingival phenotype.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized, controlled, split-mouth clinical trial included 16 systemically healthy participants (14 females, 2 males; 18-40 years) presenting with a thin gingival phenotype. In each patient, one side received MN + vitamin C (intervention), and the contralateral side received MN + i-PRF (control). Interventions were performed in three sessions at 7-day intervals. Clinical parameters-GT, keratinized tissue width (KTW), pocket depth (PD), gingival index (GI), and plaque index (PI)-were recorded at baseline, 1, 3, and 6 months. Data were analyzed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA and mixed cumulative linked models (CLMs), with p < 0.05 considered significant.
RESULTS: Both groups showed a statistically significant increase in GT over time (p < 0.001). The vitamin C group achieved significantly greater GT at 1 month (1.71 ± 0.29 vs 1.55 ± 0.35 mm; p = 0.007) and 3 months (1.39 ± 0.33 vs 1.26 ± 0.33 mm; p = 0.034), while differences were not significant at 6 months. Keratinized tissue width changes were minimal and comparable between groups. Pocket depth decreased slightly in both groups, with i-PRF showing a significantly lower PD at 6 months (p = 0.040). Both GI and PI improved significantly over time, with vitamin C showing a trend toward greater GI reduction (p = 0.053). No adverse effects were observed, and 92.3% of participants reported high satisfaction.
CONCLUSION: Injectable vitamin C combined with MN is a safe, minimally invasive, and effective approach for improving GT and esthetics in thin periodontal phenotypes, showing comparable long-term outcomes to i-PRF.
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Development of newer, less invasive therapeutic approaches that help in the prevention of gingival recession. A thin gingival biotype is more prone to gingival recession and to achieve satisfactory therapeutic results with minimum trauma to tissues of any interventional process. How to cite this article: Abdelhay NM, Elzanaty MT, Ibrahim RO. Comparative Evaluation of Vitamin C and Injectable Platelet-rich Fibrin in the Management of Thin Gingival Phenotype: A Split-mouth Randomized Clinical Trial. J Contemp Dent Pract 2026;27(2):170-178.
PMID:42145166 | DOI:10.5005/jp-journals-10024-4022
