The effect of platelet-rich plasma on healing of palatal donor site following connective tissue harvesting: a pilot study in dogs.

BACKGROUND Peri-implant plastic surgery includes soft tissue enhancement by connective tissue grafting. The palatal donor site provides peri-implant keratinized mucosa and soft tissue height. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains growth factors that may enhance early healing. PURPOSE The present animal study investigated the effect of PRP on wound healing of palatal donor site after connective tissue harvesting. MATERIALS AND METHODS In 12 mongrel dogs, bilateral palatal connective tissues of 10 × 15 mm were harvested. At test site, PRP was applied into the wound, and the contralateral site served as control. The healing was evaluated clinically and histologically at 1 week, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks after surgeries. Exact binomial probability and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used to compare the clinical and histologic measurements. RESULTS No statistically significant differences between PRP and control sites were measured with regard to clinical healing (p = 1.000) and histologic variables, including inflammatory cells (p = .750), collagen fibers (p = .375), and granulation tissue (p = .500) at any time interval. CONCLUSION The addition of PRP to palatal mucosal wound sites did not accelerate wound healing.