Comparative evaluation of autologous platelet-rich fibrin and platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of 3-wall intrabony defects in chronic periodontitis: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND

The topical use of platelet concentrates is recent, and its efficiency remains controversial. The present study aims to explore the clinical and radiographic effectiveness of autologous platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of intrabony defects in patients with chronic periodontitis.

METHODS

Ninety intrabony defects were treated with either autologous PRF with open-flap debridement or autologous PRP with open-flap debridement or open-flap debridement alone. Clinical and radiologic parameters, such as probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), intrabony defect depth, and percentage defect fill, were recorded at baseline and 9 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

Mean PD reduction and CAL gain were greater in PRF (3.77 ± 1.19 and 3.17 ± 1.29 mm) and PRP (3.77 ± 1.07 and 2.93 ± 1.08 mm) groups than the control group (2.97 ± 0.93 and 2.83 ± 0.91 mm). Furthermore, significantly greater percentage of mean bone fill was found in the PRF (55.41% ± 11.39%) and PRP (56.85% ± 14.01%) groups compared with the control (1.56% ± 15.12%) group.

CONCLUSIONS

Within the limit of the present study, there was similar PD reduction, CAL gain, and bone fill at sites treated with PRF or PRP with conventional open-flap debridement. Because PRF is less time consuming and less technique sensitive, it may seem a better treatment option than PRP. However, long-term, multicenter randomized, controlled clinical trials will be required to know their clinical and radiographic effects on bone regeneration.