Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) in the healing of impacted mandibular third molar (M3) extraction sockets.
Study design: This study included 30 patients with bilaterally symmetric impacted M3 (N = 60) requiring transalveolar extraction. All patients were assigned numbers randomly; left-sided M3 patients with odd numbers and right-sided patients with even numbers were categorized into group A (test group), and the other side of the mouth was classified as "group B" (control group). Group A M3 extraction sockets received PRF, whereas group B sockets were closed without PRF. Patients were evaluated for pain and swelling on postoperative days 1, 3, 7, and 14. Bone healing was compared on postoperative weeks 8 and 16. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's multiple comparison tests were applied for statistical analysis.
Results: A total of 30 patients, ages 18 to 40 years, participated in this study. The overall postoperative pain score (visual analogue scale [VAS]) and facial swelling percentages were lower for group A compared with group B (P < .05). Early bone healing was also evident on postoperative radiographs obtained at weeks 8 and 16 in group A (P < .001).
Conclusions: The use of autologous PRF aids in earlier and better wound healing in a controlled manner.
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