Role of platelet rich fibrin and platelet rich plasma in wound healing of extracted third molar sockets: a comparative study

Abstract

Aims and objectives: This prospective study was done to evaluate and compare the utility and effectiveness of platelet rich fibrin (PRF) with that of platelet rich plasma (PRP) on soft tissue healing and bone tissue healing of extracted third molar sockets.

Materials and methods: This study included split mouths of 20 patients who underwent bilateral extraction of impacted third molars. During the same appointment, following which PRF and PRP were prepared from patients' autologous blood and placed in right and left extracted sockets, respectively. The data for soft tissue healing were recorded at end of 1 week, using healing index of Landry et al. and the data for bone tissue healing were recorded at the end of 4 months using digitalized orthopantomogram images on Adobe Photoshop CS; which was then compared between the two sites of the same patient.

Results: The mean values of soft tissue healing collected at 1 week post-operative, for PRF group were significantly higher as compared to PRP group. And the mean values of bone density collected at the end of fourth month post-operative, for PRF group were also significantly higher as compared to PRP group. Both tests showed p value of 0.00.

Conclusion: PRF is significantly better in promoting soft tissue healing and also faster regeneration of bone after third molar extraction, in comparison with PRP. This could be attributed to simpler preparation protocols of PRF over PRP and the ability of PRF to release growth factors in a controlled way.

Keywords: Growth factors; PRF; PRP; Third molar extraction; Wound healing.

Figures

Fig. 1

PRP gel

Fig. 2

PRF gel

Fig. 3

a Pre-operative radiograph showing similar class of impaction on both sides. b Assessment of digitalized OPG images PRF side. c Assessment of digitalized OPG images PRP side

Fig. 4

Mean values of soft tissue healing

Fig. 5

Mean values of bone tissue healing