Abstract
AIMS: To compare and evaluate the clinical efficacy of Hyaluronic Acid and Injectable Platelet Rich Fibrin (i-PRF) in the management of gingival black triangles using clinical and photographic analysis over 6 months. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Thirty patients (15 in each group) were evaluated in this comparative study. Patients were divided into two groups: Group(HA) and Group(i-PRF). Injections were administered at baseline, 3 weeks, and 6 weeks. Black triangle height and area were measured at baseline, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months using a UNC-15 probe and ImageJ software. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test. RESULTS: Both the HA and i-PRF groups showed significant reductions in black triangle height and area over a 6-month period. HA reduced height by 0.80 mm at 1 month (p = 0.067), 1.47 mm at 3 months (p < 0.001), and 2.00 mm at 6 months (p < 0.001), while i-PRF reduced height by 1.20 mm (p = 0.003), 1.80 mm (p < 0.001), and 2.27 mm (p < 0.001) at the same intervals. Area reductions followed similar patterns. No significant intergroup differences were observed. CONCLUSION: HA and i-PRF are effective, minimally invasive, and biocompatible treatments for managing black triangles. HA offers ease of use and patient comfort, while i-PRF is biologically driven and cost-effective. Material selection should be based on clinical conditions and patient preferences.