Platelet-Rich Fibrin for Hard- and Soft-Tissue Healing in Mandibular Third Molar Extraction Socket

Area of Science:

• Oral Surgery
• Regenerative Medicine
• Periodontology

Background:

• Managing post-extraction sensitivity after mandibular third molar surgery presents challenges.
• Existing techniques for soft- and hard-tissue regeneration include grafts, membranes, and guided tissue regeneration.
• Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), a second-generation platelet concentrate, was investigated for its healing potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of PRF in promoting hard- and soft-tissue healing post-mandibular third molar extraction.
• To assess PRF's impact on patient symptoms and clinical parameters.

Main Methods:

• Bilateral surgical extraction of impacted mandibular third molars in 25 patients.
• Randomized controlled trial comparing PRF application to a control side.
• Monitoring of pain, edema, tenderness, sensitivity, SBI, Plaque Index, CAL, probing depth, and bone height for 6 months.

Main Results:

• PRF application led to statistically significant improvements in pain, tenderness, edema, and sensitivity.
• Significant enhancements were observed in Sulcus Bleeding Index (SBI) and probing depths with PRF.
• Clinical attachment levels (CALs) and bone height showed no significant influence from PRF use.

Conclusions:

• PRF is a valuable biomaterial for enhancing soft-tissue healing and alleviating post-operative symptoms.
• PRF does not appear to promote hard-tissue healing concerning cortical bone regeneration.
• Further research may explore PRF's role in specific aspects of oral surgical recovery.