Comparative Evaluation of Autologous Fibrin Glue and Silk Sutures for Periodontal Flap Closure: A Split-Mouth Case Report

Conventional sutures are routinely used for periodontal flap closure but may be associated with plaque accumulation, tissue irritation, and postoperative discomfort. Autologous fibrin glue (AFG), a biologic adhesive derived from the patient's own blood, has been proposed as an alternative flap stabilization material. A 53-year-old systemically healthy female with generalized Stage III, Grade B periodontitis underwent split-mouth Modified Widman flap surgery. Conventional interrupted silk sutures were used for flap closure on one side, while AFG was applied on the contralateral side. Postoperative healing was evaluated at 1 and 3 weeks using the Wound Healing Index (WHI) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Both sites healed uneventfully; however, the AFG-treated site demonstrated better healing scores, reduced postoperative discomfort, and improved soft-tissue adaptation compared with the sutured site. Within the limitations of this case report, AFG demonstrated favorable early wound healing and patient comfort when compared with conventional silk sutures. AFG may represent a useful minimally traumatic alternative for periodontal flap closure, although larger clinical studies are required to validate these findings.