A randomized clinical trial of autologous platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of mandibular degree II furcation defects.

AIM

A combined technique using a platelet-rich plasma (PRP)/bovine porous bone mineral/guided tissue regeneration membrane was found to be an effective modality for the treatment of mandibular grade II furcation defects. To elucidate the role played by each component, the present randomized, double-blind study is designed to evaluate the effectiveness of autologous PRP alone in the treatment of mandibular degree II furcation defects compared with open flap debridement (OFD).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Using a split-mouth design, 40 mandibular degree II furcation defects were treated either with autologous PRP or OFD. Plaque index, sulcus bleeding index, vertical probing depth, relative vertical and horizontal clinical attachment level and gingival marginal level were recorded at baseline and 6 months post-operatively. Vertical and horizontal defect depths were also recorded using spiral computed tomography.

RESULTS

A statistically significant difference was observed in all the clinical and radiographic parameters at the sites treated with PRP as compared with those with OFD. However, all the furcation defects retained their degree II status.

CONCLUSION

Despite a significant improvement, lack of complete closure of furcation defects implies a limited role of autologous PRP as a regenerative material in the treatment of furcation defects, necessitating further long-term studies.