Effect of Advanced Platelet-rich Fibrin on Wound Healing after Third Molar Extraction: A Split-mouth Randomized Double-blind Study

Abstract

To evaluate the potential of advanced platelet-rich fibrin (A-PRF) as a regenerative biomaterial for bone regeneration and postoperative sequelae after impacted third molar extractions. This was a split-mouth, randomized, double-blind clinical trial. A total of 10 female patients in King Abdulaziz University Dental Hospital with bilateral impacted third molars were recruited into the study. Surgical extractions were performed on both sides of the mandible. Randomization was done by a coin toss; A-PRF was placed on the one side while the other side did not receive any intervention. Each patient acted as their own control. Both the patients and the investigators were blinded about the A-PRF side. The outcome on periodontal regeneration was made measuring pocket depth (PD), gum recession (GR), and clinical attachment level (CAL) before and at 1- and 3-months postoperatively. Pain, swelling, and healing were assessed on the 7th postoperative day. p value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. An estimated 10 patients completed the study. There were no significant differences in PD, CAL, and GR between the two groups at any time point, although the data obtained were slightly favoring the A-PRF. However, a statistically significant reduction in pain and swelling was observed in the A-PRF group compared to the controls (p < 0.05). The findings of this study demonstrate A-PRF as a potential biomaterial for lessening the severity of pain and swelling after third molar surgery. Long-term trials with a larger sample size and more methodically sound assessment tools are needed to obtain more meaningful results on periodontal regeneration. Placement of A-PRF clot in the extraction socket could lessen postoperative pain and increase patient comfort after third molar extraction. NCT03703479. Registered 8 October 2018 How to cite this article: Zahid TM, Nadershah M. Effect of Advanced Platelet-rich Fibrin on Wound Healing after Third Molar Extraction: A Split-mouth Randomized Double-blind Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2019;20(10):1164-1170.