THE EFFECT OF PLATELET RICH FIBRIN (PRF) TO PRESERVE THE ALVEOLAR RIDGE AFTER FIRST MOLAR TOOTH EXTRACTION

Abstract

It is randomized clinical trial research on the efficacy of the Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) in the preservation of alveolar ridges after the initial molar extraction. The number of patients recruited was one hundred and twenty (120), with 50 patients assigned to either PRF group or control group, and their primary requirement of having their upper or lower first molars extraction (FDI notation 16, 26, 36, 46). The extractions were performed in a standardized procedure in the presence of one investigator who had been calibrated to record all the clinical and radiographic measurements to minimize inter-observer variation.

Digital panoramic radiographs were standardized through planmeca promax 0p7 - opg unit (Helsinki, Finland) exposure parameters, were set at 70 kVp and 10 mA. Bone height and width were measured in millimeters with integrated digital caliper software. Clinical evaluation of the period soft tissue healing was carried out at predetermined intervals following the operations.

Socket PRF demonstrated significantly greater alveolar ridge size preservation compared to controls (mean relative reduction in ridge height: 1.12 +/- 0.21 mm vs. 2.04 +/- 0.34 mm, p < 0.05). An effect size analysis was also used to confirm the moderate to strong effect of PRF on the preservation of ridges (Cohen d = 0.62). In addition, the PRF-treated sockets were found to epithelialize the soft tissues faster and fewer post-surgery complications.

The results of this trial render PRF a cost effective and biologically active autologous biomaterial which induces the regeneration of bone and soft tissues, diminishes ridge resorption and offers a more favorable environment in which follow up implantation can be accomplished.