Elmhurst Oral Surgery

Autologous Platelet-rich Fibrin – Can it Secure a Better Healing?

Kapse S, Surana S, et al.
Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol. 2018 Aug 31

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the efficacy of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) in the healing of impacted mandibular third molar (M3) extraction sockets.  This study included 30 patients with bilaterally symmetric impacted M3 (N = 60) requiring transalveolar extraction. All patients were assigned numbers randomly; left-sided M3 patients with odd numbers and right-sided patients with even numbers were categorized into group A (test group), and the other side of the mouth was classified as “group B” (control group). Group A M3 extraction sockets received PRF, whereas group B sockets were closed without PRF. Patients were evaluated for pain and swelling on postoperative days 1, 3, 7, and 14. Bone healing was compared on postoperative weeks 8 and 16. Appropriate statistical analysis was applied.

A total of 30 patients, ages 18 to 40 years, participated in this study. The overall postoperative pain score (visual analogue scale [VAS]) and facial swelling percentages were lower for group A compared with group B. Early bone healing was also evident on postoperative radiographs obtained at weeks 8 and 16 in group A.  The authors concluded from the results of this study that the use of autologous PRF aids in earlier and better wound healing in a controlled manner.