Evaluation of platelet-rich fibrin and platelet-rich plasma in impacted mandibular third molar extraction socket healing and bone regeneration: A split-mouth comparative study

Abstract

Abstract Objective: To compare the efficacy of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in postoperative extraction socket healing, pain, swelling, and bone regeneration after surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molars. Materials and Methods: The present split-mouth comparative study was conducted on 20 patients undergoing bilateral identical mandibular third molar extraction. PRF was placed on the right side of the third molar extraction socket, and PRP was placed on the contralateral side. Evaluation of soft tissue healing, pain, and swelling was carried out on immediate postoperative and on the 1st day, 3rd day, and 7th day. Radiological bone density was assessed on the 3rd and 6th months postoperatively. Results: Soft tissue healing was better in PRF site. The postoperative pain scores in PRF site were less compared with PRP site; however, there was no significant difference between immediate postoperative period (P < 0.15), 1st day (P < 0.96), 3rd day (P < 0.58), and 7th day (P < 0.78). Measurement of swelling on the 1st day (P < 0.0020) and 3rd day (P < 0.0010) showed significant difference on PRF site, but it ceases to nonsignificant on the 7th day (P < 1.00). Postoperative mean bone density at the 3rd and 6th months was higher in PRF site, which was statistically significant (P < 0.00001). Conclusion: Our results showed a significant improvement in the soft tissue wound healing and increase in bone density in PRF site than PRP site. There was significant reduction of the swelling found on the 1st and 3rd day at PRF site as compared to the PRP site. Although the postoperative pain scores were less in PRF site, this was not statistically significant among the two groups.