Clinical and radiographic outcomes of the use of Platelet-Rich Fibrin after Impacted Mandibular Third Molar Surgery: a controlled prospective study

This study was aimed to assess the clinical and radiographic outcomes of the use of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) after Impacted Mandibular Third Molar extractions.

Forty extractions of bilateral impacted mandibular third molars were performed in 20 volunteers (8 men, 12 women; 18 to 24 years old). After extraction of right and left mandibular third molars, the socket at one side received the autologous PRF (test group) and the other was filled with blood clot (control group). Digital panoramic radiographs were obtained on (7 days 3, and 6 months) postoperatively The parameters evaluated included pain, swelling, maximum mouth opening, and bone formation. Assessments for clinical parameters were made on the day of surgery and on days (2 and 7) after surgery while they were made after (7 days 3, and 6 months) for radiographic evaluation. Statistical significance was inferred at P<0.05.

Statistically significant differences were detected for the swelling and trismus values between the two treatment groups on the second postoperative day (P = 0.016 and P = 0.003, respectively). Also statistically significant differences were detected for the pain values between the two treatment groups on the first and second postoperative day (P = 0.012 and P 0.050, respectively). There were no statistically significant differences in bone density between the groups at follow up periods.

The application of PRF reduces the severity of the immediate post-operative sequelae (swelling, trismus, pain) but has no effect on bone healing after Impacted Mandibular Third Molar extractions.