Original Article

Volume 2024, 17 pages.

Assessment of Post-Extraction Socket Healing with Platelet-Rich Fibrin: A Randomized Clinical Study

S Parthiban1, Kaviya Gopinath2 ,G Sureshkumar3  

1,2  Department of Periodontics, Sri Venkateswaraa Dental College and Hospital, Pondicherry, India; 3 Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sri Venkateswaraa Dental College and Hospital, Pondicherry, India

Address for Correspondence:

Dr. S. Parthiban

Professor, Department of Periodontics

Sri Venkateswaraa Dental College and Hospital Pondicherry, India

Email: drparthibansvdcpondy.ac.in

Abstract

Background: Alveolar ridge resorption following tooth extraction presents significant challenges for subsequent prosthetic rehabilitation and implant placement. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), a second-generation autologous platelet concentrate, has emerged as a promising biomaterial for socket preservation and enhanced wound healing.

Objective: To evaluate and compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of post-extraction socket healing with and without platelet-rich fibrin application.

Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial included 40 patients (18-60 years) requiring single-rooted tooth extraction for periodontal or orthodontic reasons. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups: Test group (n=20) received PRF placement in extraction sockets, while Control group (n=20) underwent conventional extraction with natural blood clot formation. Clinical parameters including soft tissue healing, pain levels (Visual Analog Scale), and post-operative complications were assessed at 1, 3, 7, and 14 days. Radiographic evaluation using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) was performed immediately post-extraction and at 3 months to measure changes in alveolar ridge height and width.

Results: The test group demonstrated significantly superior soft tissue healing at 7 days (p<0.05) and 14 days (p<0.01) compared to controls. Mean pain scores were significantly lower in the PRF group at all time points (p<0.01). Radiographic analysis revealed reduced horizontal ridge resorption in the test group (1.8±0.4 mm) compared to controls (3.2±0.6 mm) at 3 months (p<0.001). Vertical bone height was better preserved in PRF-treated sockets (0.9±0.3 mm loss) versus control sockets (2.1±0.5 mm loss) (p<0.001). No adverse events or alveolar osteitis occurred in the PRF group, while 3 cases of dry socket were observed in controls

Conclusion: Platelet-rich fibrin significantly enhances post-extraction socket healing, reduces post-operative discomfort, and better preserves alveolar ridge dimensions compared to natural healing. PRF represents a safe, cost-effective, and biologically favorable approach for socket preservation procedures.

Keywords: Platelet-rich fibrin, tooth extraction, socket preservation, alveolar ridge, bone regeneration, CBCT, wound healing

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil (Self Funding)

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.

How to Cite this article :

Parthiban S., Kaviya G., Sureshkumar G. Assessment of Post-Extraction Socket Healing with Platelet-Rich Fibrin: A Randomized Clinical Study . Int J Cranio Maxillofac Surg Rehab Volume 2024; 3(2): 20-36.

DOI: 10.56501/IntJCranioMaxillofacSurgRehabil.v3.i2.ijcms0066 ‍