“Evaluation of wound healing and bone regeneration using autologous platelet-rich plasma and platelet-rich fibrin postextractions”: A comparative study

Abstract

Introduction: It has already been established in the past that platelets play a major role in wound healing. Platelet- rich plasma (PRP) and Platelet- rich fibrin (PRF) are autologous concentrates of platelets in a relatively small volume of plasma and they enable delivery of growth factors in increased amounts to surgical sites to promote wound healing. Aims and Objectives: This study focuses on comparing the two platelet concentrates – platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) as graft materials in extraction sockets and their efficacy in wound healing and bone regeneration. Materials and Methods: Sixty patients requiring extraction of unilateral third molars were considered. Computer-generated random allocation of subjects was done. Group A: PRP was used as the graft material in the third molar extraction socket Group B: PRF was used as the graft material in the third molar extraction socket Group C: No material was used as graft in the third molar extraction socket. Soft tissue healing and bone healing were assessed in the postoperative follow up visits. Results: We observed that Group B showed significantly improved soft tissue healing and a faster bone healing as compared to Group A. Both Group A and Group B showed significantly better healing in terms of soft tissue and bone as compared to Group C. Conclusion: PRF shows better results in terms of soft tissue and bone healing as compared to PRP. The method of procuring PRF is easy as compared to that of procuring PRP.