Effect of Platelet-Rich Fibrin on Soft Tissue, Periodontal Pocket Healing, and Alveolar Bone Height after Third Molar Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: More and more studies were being conducted to improve healing after third molar surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of PRF on soft tissue and periodontal pocket healing, alveolar bone resorption distal to the second molar after lower third molar surgical removal. Methods: A Randomized, controlled clinical trial and split-mouth design was performed on 26 healthy patients who had an indication of impacted lower third molars extraction on both sides with symmetrical orientation and the same difficult index. All patients had the same extraction protocol on both sides at the Department of Oral Surgery, Faculty of Odonto-stomatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ho Chi Minh City. PRF was applied on one side, whereas the other was left empty as the control group. Assessing the soft tissue healing, periodontal pocket depth and distal bone resorption of the study and control groups after third molar removal surgery. Data obtained were statistically analyzed. Results: There is a statistically significant difference in soft tissue healing on the 3rd and 7th postoperative days and distal bone resorption (p<0.05) on the 3rd and 6th postoperative months between two groups. Periodontal pocket depth of the study group showed more reduction than the control group but was not significantly different. Conclusion: Using PRF can help improve soft tissue healing and lower distal bone resorption after surgical extraction of impacted lower third molars. PRF appears to reduce periodontal pocket depth but still needs more research to conclude.