Autologous platelet-rich fibrin in the treatment of mandibular degree II furcation defects: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Background: Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), an intimate assembly of cytokines, glycan chains, and structural glycoproteins enmeshed within a slowly polymerized fibrin network, has the potential to accelerate soft and hard tissue healing. This double-masked randomized study is designed to evaluate the effectiveness of autologous PRF in the treatment of mandibular degree II furcation defects compared with open flap debridement (OFD).

Methods: Using a split-mouth design, 18 patients with 36 mandibular degree II furcation defects were randomly allotted and treated either with autologous PRF and OFD or OFD. Plaque index, sulcus bleeding index, probing depth, relative vertical and horizontal clinical attachment level, gingival marginal level, and radiographic bone defect were recorded at baseline and 9 months postoperatively. Comparison between indices between the test and control groups was performed using the paired t test except for plaque index and sulcus bleeding index data, which used the χ(2) test.

Results: All clinical and radiographic parameters showed statistically significant improvement at the sites treated with PRF and OFD compared to those with OFD alone.

Conclusion: Within the limitation of this study, significant improvement with autologous PRF implies its role as a regenerative material in the treatment of furcation defects.