Platelet-Rich Fibrin Combined With a Porous Hydroxyapatite Graft for the Treatment of 3-Wall Intrabony Defects in Chronic Periodontitis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Influence of alloplastic materials, biologics, and their combinations, along with defect characteristics, on short-term intrabony defect surgical treatment outcomes: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Treating periodontal intrabony defects remains challenging, alloplast materials and biologics are increasingly utilized to improve regeneration outcomes. However, comparative efficacy on alloplast materials remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of alloplastic materials, both alone and combined with biologics, in treating periodontal defects.

METHODS

A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and CENTRAL identified 74 eligible randomized controlled trials. Meta-analysis assessed data heterogeneity based on defect depth and morphology, classifying defects by wall configuration. Network meta-analysis compared clinical attachment level (CAL) gain, probing depth (PD) reduction, and radiographic linear bone (RLB) gain up to 12 months. Risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool, and confidence in network meta-analysis was graded using CINeMA.

RESULTS

Defect depth and morphology significantly impacted heterogeneity outcomes at 6 months, but by 12 months, differences across treatments were less significant. Biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) and nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (nHA) showed notable improvements in CAL gain, PD reduction, and RLB gain. Combining nHA with platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) outperformed open flap debridement (mean differences at 6 months for CAL gain: 1.37 mm, PD reduction: 1.52 mm and RLB gain: 1.39 mm). SUCRA ranked bioglass and BCP highest for single treatments, while bioglass with platelet-rich plasma and nHA + PRF excelled among combinations.

CONCLUSIONS

Alloplastic materials, particularly BCP and nHA, significantly enhance periodontal treatment outcomes, especially when combined with biologics like PRF. Defect depth and morphology influence treatment efficacy at 6 months, though by 12 months, treatment outcomes converge, underscoring the value of early, tailored strategies in periodontal therapy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Not applicable.

Applications of Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) Membranes Alone or in Combination with Biomimetic Materials in Oral Regeneration: A Narrative Review

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) membranes are a biomaterial derived from the patient's own blood, used in different medical and dental areas for their ability to promote healing, tissue regeneration, and reduce inflammation. They are obtained by centrifuging the blood, which separates the components and concentrates the platelets and growth factors in a fibrin matrix. This material is then moulded into a membrane that can be applied directly to tissues. The use of these PRF membranes is often associated with the use of different biomimetic materials such as deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM), β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), enamel matrix derivative (EMD), and hydroxyapatite (HA). Different indications of PRF membranes have been proposed, like alveolar ridge preservation, alveolar ridge augmentation, guided tissue regeneration (GTR), and sinus floor augmentation. The aim of this narrative review is to check the state-of-the-art and to analyze the existing gaps in the use of PRF membranes in combination with biomimetic materials in alveolar ridge preservation, alveolar ridge augmentation, guided tissue regeneration (GTR), and sinus floor augmentation.

Autogenous platelet concentrates for treatment of intrabony defects-A systematic review with meta-analysis

To provide an overview of the use of autogenous platelet concentrates (APCs) in periodontal regeneration and to conduct a systematic review (SR) of the treatment outcomes of periodontal intrabony defects by using platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) compared with other commonly utilized modalities. The eligibility criteria comprised randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the clinical outcomes of PRF with that of other modalities. Studies were classified into 21 categories and into five different groups as follows: Group I (1) open flap debridement (OFD) alone versus OFD/PRF, (2) OFD versus Titanium-PRF (T-PRF) Group II, (3) Comparative PRF protocols (PRF vs. T-PRF), Group III (Comparative Studies to PRF): (4) OFD/PRP versus OFD/PRF, (5) OFD/bone graft(BG)/PRGF versus OFD/BG/PRF, (6) OFD/EMD versus OFD/PRF, (7) OFD/BG/EMD versus OFD/BG/PRF, (8) OFD/collagen membrane (CM) versus OFD/PRF, (9) OFD/BG/BM versus OFD/BG/PRF, (10) OFD/BG versus OFD/PRF, Group IV (Addition of PRF to treatment groups) (11) OFD/BG versus OFD/BG/PRF, (12) OFD/GTR versus OFD/GTR + PRF (13) OFD/EMD versus OFD/EMD/PRF (14) OFD/BG/BM versus OFD/BG/BM/PRF, Group V (Addition of Biomaterial/Biomolecule to PRF): OFD/PRF versus … (15) OFD/PRF/BG, (16) OFD/PRF/antibiotic, (17) OFD/PRF/Metformin, (18) OFD/PRF/Bisphosphonates, (19) OFD/PRF/Statins, (20) OFD/BG/PRF versus OFD/BG/PRF/Statins, and (21) OFD/PRF/low-level laser therapy (LLLT). Weighted means and forest plots were calculated for probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and radiographic bone fill (RBF). From 596 records identified, 55 RCTs were included. Group I: The use of OFD/PRF statistically significantly reduced PPD and improved CAL and RBF when compared to OFD. Group II: A significant difference between various PRF protocols was only observed for PPD. Group III: No significant advantage was found when comparing OFD/PRF to the following groups: OFD/PRP, OFD/EMD, OFD/BM, or OFD/BG. Group IV: The addition of PRF to OFD/BG led to significant improvements in PPD, CAL and RBF compared with OFD/BG alone. Group V: The addition of either a BG as well as three of the following biomolecules (metformin, bisphosphonates, and statins) to OFD/PRF led to statistically significant improvements in PPD, CAL, and/or RBF when compared to OFD/PRF alone. The use of PRF significantly improved clinical outcomes in intrabony defects when compared to OFD alone. Similar results were observed when OFD/PRF was compared with OFD/BG, OFD/EMD, OFD/PRP, and OFD/BM. The addition of PRF to a bone grafting material as well as the addition of various small biomolecules to PRF may offer additional clinical advantages, thus warranting further investigations. Future research investigating various protocols of PRF, longer-term outcomes, as well as PRF at the human histological level remains needed.

Autologous platelet concentrates as adjuncts to non-surgical periodontal therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the possible additional clinical benefit from autologous platelet concentrate (APC) treatment adjunct to non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT).

METHODS

Electronic (MEDLINE/Embase/Cochrane/MedNar/CORE) and hand searches were conducted. Following studies selection, evidence tables were formed, and meta-analyses were performed for the following outcomes: probing pocket depth (PPD) reduction, clinical attachment level (CAL) gain, and bleeding on probing (BoP) reduction. The protocol for this systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023514388).

RESULTS

After de-duplication, the initial search yielded 194 citations, from which ten papers were eligible for quantitative synthesis. The APC group comprised 270 patients, while the control group included 230. The meta-analysis revealed that a single APC application resulted in a 0.6 mm greater PPD reduction (MD = -0.62; 95% CI: -1.03, -0.22) and 0.8 mm more CAL gain (MD = -0.77; 95% CI: -1.18, -0.37) at the 6-12 weeks follow-up. At six months, the APC group exhibited a 0.6 mm greater PPD reduction (MD = -0.61; 95% CI: -1.13, -0.09) and 1.1 mm more CAL gain (MD = -1.14; 95% CI: -1.94, -0.34) compared to the NSPT only group. In contrast, BoP indices did not reveal a statistically significant difference between the groups after 6-12 weeks (MD = -10.54; 95% CI: -25.21, 4.14). High heterogeneity and unclear to high risk of bias were detected.

CONCLUSION

Over six months, the adjunctive APC use appears to provide additional benefits in PPD reduction and CAL gain compared to NSPT alone.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The adjunctive use of APCs seems to promote further improvements in clinical outcomes following NSPT.

Successful Treatment of Nasopalatine Duct Cyst After Maxillary Anterior Implant Surgery: A Case Report

Sporadic studies have reported the occurrence of nasopalatine duct cysts after maxillary anterior implant surgery, and the treatment methods still have clinical uncertainty. We report a potential therapy method that successfully treated a nasopalatine duct cyst that developed and expanded 1 year after maxillary anterior implant placement following periodontally hopeless teeth extraction. The nasopalatine cyst was treated surgically without removing implants. During flap surgery, the cyst was removed intact, and the exposed implant's surface was debrided thoroughly by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) rinsing, glycine air polishing, and saline rinsing. To deal with the significant bone defect caused by the cyst, a bovine porous bone mineral injected platelet-rich fibrin (BPBM-i-PRF) complex was applied to fill the defect, following a resorbable collagen membrane to cover. Seven years after surgery, no cyst recurrence was observed, and bone regeneration in the bone graft area was stable. The implants functioned well without mobility. For nasopalatine duct cysts associated with dental implant placement, complete surgical debridement and longitudinal stable bone regeneration are possibly accessible by regenerative surgery without implant removal.

Regeneration of periodontal intrabony defects using platelet-rich fibrin (PRF): a systematic review and network meta-analysis

One of the most promising approaches to correct periodontal bone defects and achieve periodontal regeneration is platelet-rich fibrin (PRF). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the regeneration of periodontal bone defects using PRF compared to other regenerative treatments. The data search and retrieval process followed the PRISMA guidelines. An electronic search of MEDLINE, Cochrane, and PubMed databases was performed, selecting exclusively randomized clinical trials where the following were measured: probing depth reduction (PD), clinical attachment level gain (CAL), and radiographic bone fill (RBF). Out of 284 selected articles, 32 were chosen based on inclusion criteria. The use of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) + open flap debridement (OFD), PRF + metformin, PRF + platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and PRF + OFD/bone graft (BG) significantly reduced PD and improved CAL and RBF. However, the combination of PRF + BG, PRF + metformin, and PRF + STATINS reduced CAL. The intervention of PRF combined with different treatments such as metformin, OFD, PRP, BG, and STATINS has a significant impact on improving PD and CAL. The use of PRF significantly improved the regeneration of periodontal bone defects compared to other treatments.

Effectiveness of the Association of Fibrin Scaffolds, Nanohydroxyapatite, and Photobiomodulation with Simultaneous Low-Level Red and Infrared Lasers in Bone Repair

Biomaterials and biopharmaceuticals for correcting large bone defects are a potential area of translational science. A new bioproduct, purified from snake venom and fibrinogen from buffalo blood, aroused interest in the repair of venous ulcers. Expanding potential uses, it has also been used to form biocomplexes in combination with bone grafts, associated with physical therapies or used alone. The aim of this preclinical study was to evaluate low-level laser photobiomodulation (PBM) in critical defects in the calvaria of rats filled with nanohydroxyapatite (NH) associated with the heterologous fibrin biopolymer (HFB). Sixty animals were used, divided into six groups (n = 10 each): G1 (NH); G2 (HFB); G3 (NH + HFB); G4 (NH + PBM); G5 (HFB + PBM); G6 (NH + HFB + PBM). PBM simultaneously used red (R) and infrared (IR) light emission, applied intraoperatively and twice a week, until the end of the experiment at 42 days. Microtomography, bone formation can be seen initially at the margins of the defect, more evident in G5. Microscopically, bone formation demonstrated immature and disorganized trabeculation at 14 days, with remnants of grafting materials. At 42 days, the percentage of new bone formed was higher in all groups, especially in G5 (HFB, 45.4 ± 3.82), with collagen fibers at a higher degree of maturation and yellowish-green color in the birefringence analysis with Picrosirius-red. Therefore, it is concluded that the HFB + PBM combination showed greater effectiveness in the repair process and presents potential for future clinical studies.

Treatment of Unfavorable Intrabony Defects with Autogenous Bone Graft in Combination with Leukocyte- and Platelet-Rich Fibrin or Collagen Membranes: A Non-Inferiority Study

Background and Objectives: Unfavorable intrabony defects (IBDs) are associated with the progression of periodontal disease and tooth loss. Growing scientific evidence has demonstrated the effectiveness of platelet concentrations in periodontal treatment. The aim of our study was to demonstrate the non-inferiority of an autogenous bone graft (ABG) associated with leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) compared to ABG + Collagen Membrane in the treatment of IBDs. Material and Methods: Sixty-four patients with at least one IBD were randomly assigned to two groups: ABG+L-PRF and CM+ABG. Clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed at baseline and 12-month follow-up. Clinical attachment level (CAL), gingival recession (GR), probing pocket depth (PPD), and radiograph defect bone level (DBL) were compared between the two treatments. To evaluate the effectiveness of ABG+L-PRF, a non-inferiority margin of =1 mm (-1 mm for GR) was chosen; a second non-inferiority margin of =0.5 mm (-0.5 mm for GR) was set for clinical relevance. Results: At 12-month follow up, both treatments showed clinical and radiographic improvements. The 90% confidence intervals of the CM+ABG-L-PRF+ABG mean difference for CAL gain (-0.0564 mm [-0.316 to 0.203]), DBL gain (-0.433 mm [-0.721 to -0.145]), and PPD reduction (0.232 mm [0.015 to 0.449]) were below the 0.5 mm non-inferiority margin; the GR increase (0.255 mm [0.0645 to 0.445]) stayed above the -0.5 mm. Conclusions: the L-PRF+ABG treatment of unfavorable IBDs is non-inferior with respect to the CM+ABG therapy for CAL gain, but with a lower GR, a slightly higher PPD, and DBL gain.

The effect of titanium-platelet rich fibrin on periodontal intrabony defects: A randomized controlled split-mouth clinical study

This study aimed to determine the contribution of titanium prepared platelet-rich fibrin (T-PRF) with open flap debridement (OFD) on clinical, biochemical and radiographic measurements of periodontal regeneration. Twenty periodontitis patients with bilateral intrabony defects and stage III grade A periodontitis were included in the study. A total of 40 defects were randomly selected for OFD alone (control group, n = 20) or combined OFD+ T-PRF (test group, n = 20). Clinical and radiographic parameters (at baseline and nine months after surgery), and growth factor levels in gingival crevicular fluid (at baseline and at two, four, six, and twelve weeks after surgical treatment) were also evaluated. Considering the clinical parameters, alterations in probing pocket depth, gingival marginal level and clinical endpoint in the test regions treated with T-PRF significantly improved (P<0.05). Fibroblast growth factor-2 and platelet-derived growth factor-BB levels between the two groups in the second and fourth weeks were also significantly different (P<0.05). Furthermore, the receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand/osteoprotegerin ratio between the groups was significantly different in the second, fourth, sixth, and twelfth weeks (P<0.05). The bone-filling rate was also significantly greater in the test group than in the control group (P <0.001). Compared with OFD alone, combining T-PRF with the procedure was more successful with regards to clinical, radiographic, and biochemical measurements of periodontal regeneration.

Exploring the potential of calcium-based biomaterials for bone regeneration in dentistry: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Regenerative medicine emerged as a promising strategy for addressing bone defects, with several bone grafts currently being used, including autografts, allografts, xenografts and alloplasts. Calcium-based biomaterials (CaXs), a well-known class of synthetic materials, have demonstrated good biological properties and are being investigated for their potential to facilitate bone regeneration. This systematic review evaluates the current clinical applications of CaXs in dentistry for bone regeneration.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A comprehensive search was conducted to collect information about CaXs and their applications in the dental field over the last ten years. The search was limited to relevant articles published in peer-reviewed journals.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

A total of 72 articles were included in this scoping review, with eight studies related to periodontology, 63 in implantology and three in maxillofacial surgery respectively. The findings suggest that CaXs hold promise as an alternative intervention for minor bone regeneration in dentistry.

CONCLUSIONS

Calcium-based biomaterials have shown potential as a viable option for bone regeneration in dentistry. Further research is warranted to fully understand their efficacy and safety in larger bone defects. CaXs represent an exciting avenue for researchers and clinicians to explore in their ongoing efforts to advance regenerative medicine.

Platelet-Rich Fibrin in Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy: A Split-Mouth Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

This clinical trial investigated the efficacy of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) as an adjunct to conventional scaling and root planing (SRP) in non-surgical periodontal therapy. In a split-mouth randomized controlled trial with 13 patients and 26 periodontal pocket sites, PRF was inserted in test group pockets alongside SRP, while control group pockets received SRP alone. Measurements at baseline and six weeks included probing pocket depths (PPDs), clinical attachment loss (CAL), gingival recession (GR), the plaque index, and the gingivitis index. The wound healing index was assessed at six weeks. The results show statistically significant improvements in the SRP+PRF group compared to SRP alone, demonstrating a better CAL gain (SRP+PRF group: 2.69 ± 0.63; SRP alone group: 4.15 ± 0.69-p-value: 0.001), PPD reduction (SRP+PRF group: 2.62 ± 0.65; SRP alone group: 3.85 ± 0.80-p-value: 0.001), and GR minimization (SRP+PRF group: 0.46 ± 0.62; SRP alone group: 0.81 ± 0.72-p-value: 0.21). The adjunctive use of PRF enhanced healing, reduced pocket depths, decreased tissue morbidity, and minimized gingival recession. This study concludes that PRF placement is effective in 5-6 mm pockets, potentially reducing the number of periodontal treatment sessions needed for pocket closure.

From Basic Science to Clinical Practice: A Review of Current Periodontal/Mucogingival Regenerative Biomaterials

Periodontitis is a dysbiosis-driven inflammatory disease affecting the tooth-supporting tissues, characterized by their progressive resorption, which can ultimately lead to tooth loss. A step-wise therapeutic approach is employed for periodontitis. After an initial behavioral and non-surgical phase, intra-bony or furcation defects may be amenable to regenerative procedures. This review discusses the regenerative technologies employed for periodontal regeneration, highlighting the current limitations and future research areas. The search, performed on the MEDLINE database, has identified the available biomaterials, including biologicals (autologous platelet concentrates, hydrogels), bone grafts (pure or putty), and membranes. Biologicals and bone grafts have been critically analyzed in terms of composition, mechanism of action, and clinical applications. Although a certain degree of periodontal regeneration is predictable in intra-bony and class II furcation defects, complete defect closure is hardly achieved. Moreover, treating class III furcation defects remains challenging. The key properties required for functional regeneration are discussed, and none of the commercially available biomaterials possess all the ideal characteristics. Therefore, research is needed to promote the advancement of more effective and targeted regenerative therapies for periodontitis. Lastly, improving the design and reporting of clinical studies is suggested by strictly adhering to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) 2010 statement.

Platelet-rich fibrin as an autologous biomaterial for bone regeneration: mechanisms, applications, optimization

Platelet-rich fibrin, a classical autologous-derived bioactive material, consists of a fibrin scaffold and its internal loading of growth factors, platelets, and leukocytes, with the gradual degradation of the fibrin scaffold and the slow release of physiological doses of growth factors. PRF promotes vascular regeneration, promotes the proliferation and migration of osteoblast-related cells such as mesenchymal cells, osteoblasts, and osteoclasts while having certain immunomodulatory and anti-bacterial effects. PRF has excellent osteogenic potential and has been widely used in the field of bone tissue engineering and dentistry. However, there are still some limitations of PRF, and the improvement of its biological properties is one of the most important issues to be solved. Therefore, it is often combined with bone tissue engineering scaffolds to enhance its mechanical properties and delay its degradation. In this paper, we present a systematic review of the development of platelet-rich derivatives, the structure and biological properties of PRF, osteogenic mechanisms, applications, and optimization to broaden their clinical applications and provide guidance for their clinical translation.

Biomaterial scaffolds in maxillofacial bone tissue engineering: A review of recent advances

Maxillofacial bone defects caused by congenital malformations, trauma, tumors, and inflammation can severely affect functions and aesthetics of maxillofacial region. Despite certain successful clinical applications of biomaterial scaffolds, ideal bone regeneration remains a challenge in maxillofacial region due to its irregular shape, complex structure, and unique biological functions. Scaffolds that address multiple needs of maxillofacial bone regeneration are under development to optimize bone regeneration capacity, costs, operational convenience. etc. In this review, we first highlight the special considerations of bone regeneration in maxillofacial region and provide an overview of the biomaterial scaffolds for maxillofacial bone regeneration under clinical examination and their efficacy, which provide basis and directions for future scaffold design. Latest advances of these scaffolds are then discussed, as well as future perspectives and challenges. Deepening our understanding of these scaffolds will help foster better innovations to improve the outcome of maxillofacial bone tissue engineering.

Comparing efficacies of autologous platelet concentrate preparations as mono-therapeutic agents in intra-bony defects through systematic review and meta-analysis

Aim

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess individually the regenerative potential of PRF (Platelet-rich Fibrin), PRP (Platelet-rich Plasma), and PRGF (Plasma Rich in Growth Factors) in comparison to OFD (Open Flap Debridement) alone for treating Intrabony defects, by calculating pooled effect sizes.

Background

Relevant randomized controlled trials on humans were searched in PUBMED, COCHRANE CENTRAL, and GOOGLE SCHOLAR. Mean differences (MD) of Clinical Attachment level (CAL), Probing Pocket depth (PPD), and Defect Depth Reduction (DDR) between the Experimental and Control groups were used for calculating pooled effect sizes. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane's tool, and publication bias was evaluated through Funnel plots, Trim & Fill Method, and Rosenthal's Fail-Safe N Test.

Review result

A total of 23 studies were identified for qualitative and quantitative analysis. These studies were categorized into PRF, PRP, and PRGF groups based on the type of APC used. PRF showed the highest CAL gain (1.60 mm, 95% CI = 0.963-2.232 mm, P < 0.001, I2 = 93.83%) and PPD reduction (1.76 mm, 95% CI = 1.056 to 2.446, P < 0.001, I2 = 96.05%). However, PRP exhibited the greatest DDR (3.42 mm, 95% CI = -13.67 to -20.50, P = 0.011, I2 = 87.27%). PRF and PRP demonstrated large effect sizes, while PRGF showed a small effect size.

Conclusion

The use of PRF, PRP, and PRGF showed advantages in treating intrabony defects. However, caution is advised when interpreting the results due to heterogeneity and publication bias among the studies.

Do autologous platelet concentrates (APCs) have a role in intra-oral bone regeneration? A critical review of clinical guidelines on decision-making process

In the past decades, personalized regenerative medicine has gained increased attention. Autologous platelet concentrates (APCs) such as PRP, PRGF, and L-PRF, all serving as a source of a large variety of cells and growth factors that participate in hard and soft tissue healing and regeneration, could play a significant role in regenerative periodontal procedures. This narrative review evaluated the relative impact of APCs in alveolar ridge preservation, sinus floor augmentation, and the regeneration of bony craters around teeth, both as a single substitute or in combination with a xenograft. L-PRF has a significant beneficial effect on alveolar ridge preservation (bone quality). The data for PRGF are less convincing, and PRP is controversial. L-PRF can successfully be used as a single substitute during transcrestal (≥3.5 mm bone gain) as well as 1-stage lateral window sinus floor elevation (>5 mm bone gain). For PRGF and especially PRP the data are very scarce. In the treatment of bony craters around teeth, during open flap debridement, L-PRF as a single substitute showed significant adjunctive benefits (e.g., >PPD reduction, >CAL gain, >crater depth reduction). The data for PRP and PRGF were non-conclusive. Adding PRP or L-PRF to a xenograft during OFD resulted in additional improvements (>PPD reduction, >CAL gain, >bone fill), for PRGF no data were found. Autologous platelet concentrates demonstrated to enhance bone and soft tissue healing in periodontal regenerative procedures. The data for L-PRF were most convincing. L-PRF also has the advantage of a greater simplicity of production, and its 100% autologous character.

Clinical Efficacy of Platelet Derivatives in Periodontal Tissue Regeneration: An Umbrella Review

Objectives

This umbrella review aimed to consolidate the best available evidence regarding the clinical efficacy of platelet derivatives in the treatment of periodontal defects associated with periodontitis and in the management of mucogingival deformities.

Materials and Methods

The "umbrella review" strategy was used to identify systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The search was performed without language restrictions and updated at the end of February 2023. The PubMed and Scopus databases, together with gray literature, were included in the search.

Results

The search yielded 412 studies. Subsequently, 12 articles were selected for further examination based on relevance. Finally, eight systematic reviews and meta-analyses were assessed. Regarding intrabony defects, in terms of clinical attachment level (CAL) gain, platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) was observed to lead to a statistically significant attachment gain compared to surgical therapy alone. PRF was also found to show greater CAL gain compared to platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and other biomaterials. The parameter probing depth decreased significantly when PRF was used compared to surgical therapy alone (P < 0.05). Similar results were seen when leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) was applied. In terms of radiographic bone fill, both PRF and PRP showed significantly greater bone fill compared to surgical therapy. Regarding the results of periodontal plastic surgery, PRF favored a slight root coverage compared to the coronally displaced flap. This result depended on the number of PRF and L-PRF membranes used, but Emdogain or connective tissue graft produced better results regardless. However, an improvement in the healing of periodontal tissues was reported.

Conclusions

Therapies with platelet derivatives applied to intrabony defects provided superior regenerative results compared to monotherapies, except in the case of root coverage.

Effectiveness of the use of platelet-rich fibrin associated with open flap debridement compared to open flap debridement alone for the treatment of periodontal intrabony defects: Overview of systematic reviews

In the recent years, platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) has gained importance in regenerative medicine due to its attributed tissue-inducing properties. However, it is still unclear whether there are benefits from using PRF with open flap debridement (OFD) for the treatment of intrabony defects compared to OFD alone. For this reason, in this study, we performed an overview of systematic reviews with Friendly Summaries of the Body of Evidence using Epistemonikos methodology on the use of PRF with OFD compared to OFD alone for the treatment of intrabony defects. We performed a systematic search in the Epistemonikos database. We extracted data from the included systematic reviews and reanalyzed the data of primary studies and generated a summary of the findings table. We used Review Manager (RevMan) v5.3 software and GRADEpro software for data analysis and data presentation. Eighteen systematic reviews were included after full-text screening, which had 16 clinical trials. Results were reported by the mean difference (MD); the following outcomes were analyzed: change in intrabony defect depth (MD: 1.37 mm more), change in radiographic bone defect filling (MD: 37.26% more), change in probing depth (MD: 1.22 mm more), change in clinical attachment level (MD: 1.32 mm more), and change in gingival margin level (MD: 0.31 more). We concluded that applying PRF with OFD to treat an intrabony defect has some clinical advantages compared to OFD alone.

Network meta-analysis of platelet-rich fibrin in periodontal intrabony defects

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effect of platelet-rich fibrin alone or in combination with different biomaterials for the treatment of periodontal intra-bony defect.

METHODS

Up to April 2022, Cochrane library, Medline, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases were searched for randomized clinical trials. The outcomes of interest were probing pocket depth reduction, clinical attachment level gain, bone gain, and bone defect depth reduction. Bayesian network meta-analysis with 95% credible intervals was calculated.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight studies with 1157 participants were included. Platelet-rich fibrin alone or platelet-rich fibrin +biomaterials showed a statistically significant difference when compared with open flap debridement (p < 0.05, low to high certainty evidence). Neither biomaterials alone nor platelet-rich fibrin +biomaterials showed a statistically significant difference when compared to platelet-rich fibrin alone (p > 0.05, very low to high certainty evidence). Platelet-rich fibrin +biomaterials showed insignificant differences as compared to biomaterials alone (p > 0.05, very low to high certainty evidence). Allograft +collagen membrane ranked the best in probing pocket depth reduction while platelet-rich fibrin +hydroxyapatite ranked the best in bone gain.

CONCLUSION

It seems that (1) platelet-rich fibrin with/without biomaterials were more effective than open flap debridement. (2) Platelet-rich fibrin alone provides a comparable effect to biomaterials alone and platelet-rich fibrin +biomaterials. (3) Platelet-rich fibrin +biomaterials provide a comparable effect to biomaterials alone. Although allograft +collagen membrane and platelet-rich fibrin +hydroxyapatite ranked the best in terms of probing pocket depth reduction and bone gain respectively, the difference between different regenerative therapies remains insignificant, and therefore, further studies are still needed to confirm these results.

The efficacy of non-surgical platelet-rich fibrin application on clinical periodontal parameters and periostin level in periodontitis: Clinical trial

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) has been widely used in regenerative dentistry due to many growth factors produced. Periostin, a matricellular protein, is a reliable marker for tissue regeneration. Periostin is part of the cellular matrix and regulates bone homeostasis. This study aims to explore the efficacy of PRF in improvement of the clinical periodontal parameters as an adjunct to the scaling and root planing and to evaluate periostin level in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) at baseline, 1- and 3-month recall visits. Fourteen periodontitis patients who met the inclusion criteria were recruited in this study. Two contralateral periodontal pockets with 4-6 mm in depth in each patient were selected. The sites in every participant were randomly allocated into control sites or test sites. In control sites, only conventional scaling and root planing was carried out. In test sites, however, scaling and root planing method and PRF were applied. Periostin level in GCF and clinical periodontal parameters were measured. The test sites revealed greater relative attachment gain (2.614 ± 0.606 mm and 3.321 ± 0.668 mm) than control sites (1.285 ± 0.671 mm and 1.839 ± 0.632 mm) and a significant pocket reduction (2.535 ± 0.664 mm and 3.321 ± 0.668 mm) than the control sites (1.21 ± 0.508 mm and 1.892 ± 0.655 mm) at 1- and 3-month recall visits respectively. In the test sites, level of periostin (48.83 ± 9.3 ng/μl and 98.90 ± 24.94 ng/μl) were greater than periostin levels in the control sites (42.65 ± 7.03 ng/μl and 49.29 ± 15.14 ng/μl) at 1- and 3-month recall visits respectively. In conclusion, the non-surgical application of PRF as an adjunct to scaling and root planing significantly improved the clinical periodontal parameters through raising periostin level in GCF.

Efficacy of biologics for the treatment of periodontal infrabony defects: An American Academy of Periodontology best evidence systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

A large variety of biomaterials, biologics and membranes have been utilized in the past 40 years for the regenerative treatment of periodontal infrabony defects. Biologic agents have progressively gained popularity among clinicians and are routinely used for periodontal regeneration. In alignment with the goals of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) Best Evidence Consensus (BEC) on the use of biologic mediators in contemporary clinical practice, the aim of this sytematic review was to evaluate the effect of biologic agents, specifically autogenous blood-dervied products (ABPs), enamel matrix derivative (EMD) and recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor-BB (rhPDGF-BB), on the regenerative outcomes of infrabony defects.

METHODS

A detailed systematic search was conducted to identify eligible randomized control trials (RCTs) reporting the outcomes of periodontal regenerative therapy using biologics for the treatment of infrabony defects. A frequentist mixed-modeling approach to network meta-analysis (NMA), characterized by the assessment of three individual components for the treatment of an infrabony defect (the bone graft material [BG], the biologic agent, the application of a barrier membrane) was performed to evaluate and compare the relative efficacy of the different components, on the outcomes of different therapeutic modalities of periodontal regeneration.

RESULTS

A total of 153 eligible RCTs were included, with 150 studies contributing to the NMA. The quantitative analysis showed that the addition of biologic agents to bone graft significantly improves the clinical and radiographic outcomes, as compared to BG and flap procedures alone. Barrier membranes enhanced the regenerative outcomes of BG but did not provide further benefits in combination with biologics. The type of BG (autogenous, allogeneic, xenogeneic or alloplastic) and the biologic agent (EMD, platelet-rich fibrin [PRF], platelet-rich plasma [PRP] or rhPDGF-BB) played a significant role on the final outcomes of infrabony defects. Allogeneic and xenogeneic BGs exhibited statistically significantly superior clinical gain than synthetic and autogenous BGs (p < 0.05 in all the comparisons), while rhPDGF-BB and PRF demonstrated significantly higher stability of the gingival margin (p < 0.01) and radiographic bone fill/gain (p < 0.05), together with greater, although not statistically significant, clinical attachment level gain and pocket depth reduction, than EMD and PRP. Overall, rhPDGF-BB exhibited the largest effect size for most parameters, including clinical attachment level gain, pocket depth reduction, less gingival recession and radiographic linear bone gain. Considering the relatively high number of trials presenting an unclear or high risk of bias, the strength of recommendation supporting the use of PRP was judged weak, while the recommendation for EMD, PRF and rhPDGF-BB was deemed in favor.

CONCLUSIONS

Biologics enhance the outcomes of periodontal regenerative therapy. Combination therapies involving BGs + biologics or BGs + barrier membrane demonstrated to be superior to monotherapies. The choice of the type of BG and biologic agent seems to have significant impact on the clinical and radiographic outcomes of infrabony defects.

The impact of gender and peripheral blood parameters on the characteristics of L-PRF membranes

Aim

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of gender and peripheral blood parameters on the characteristics of Leucocyte-and Platelet-Rich Fibrin (L-PRF) membranes and to describe histologically three different zones of L-PRF membranes.

Methods

Blood was collected from twenty healthy donors (10 men and 10 women). Peripheral blood parameters including leucocyte and platelet counts, and fibrinogen levels were recorded. L-PRF membranes were prepared to quantify the release of growth factors (PDGF, VEGF, BMP-2, and BMP-9) at 1, 2, 3 and 7 days and for histological examination. Three zones within each L-PRF membrane (face, body, and tail) were analysed separately, quantifying the area of leucocytes, platelets, and fibrin in percentage. The Young's modulus of the membranes was also considered (during tensile and compression tests).

Results

Women had significantly higher fibrinogen levels in their peripheral blood, and a higher release of BMP-9, whereas men showed a significantly higher Young's modulus in compression tests. The histology revealed significant differences in cellular content and fibrin concentration between the 3 areas, with the face being biologically the richest.

Conclusion

Several factors influenced the final characteristics of L-PRF membranes. These need to be taken into consideration when interpreting the results of research, but especially in clinical practice.

Clinicoradiographic evaluation of advanced-platelet rich fibrin block (A PRF + i PRF + nanohydroxyapatite) compared to nanohydroxyapatite alone in the management of periodontal intrabony defects

Background:

Several bone grafting formulations have been given clinically acceptable outcomes in treating intrabony defects. Platelet rich fibrin (PRF), an autologous platelet concentrate holds potential to be used for regenerative treatment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical and radiographic outcomes in periodontal intrabony defects treated with advanced-PRF block (A PRF + i PRF + nanohydroxyapatite [nHA]) compared to nHA alone.

Methods:

Twenty-eight sites in chronic periodontitis patients having probing pocket depth (PPD) ≥6 mm and 3 walled intrabony defects (depth of ≥3 mm) were selected, randomly allotted into two groups: Group A was treated with A-PRF block and Group B with nHA (Sybograf™). Clinical parameters including plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), PPD, relative attachment level (RAL) and radiographically linear and volumetric defect fill were assessed using cone beam computed tomography at baseline and 6 months postoperatively.

Results:

Intragroup comparison using paired t-test and intergroup comparison using unpaired t-test was done. Group A demonstrated significantly higher reduction in PPD and gain in RAL when compared to Group B (P ≤ 0.05) at the end of 6 months. Similarly gain in bone volume was greater in Group A (0.1 ± 0.05) as compared to Group B (0.04 ± 0.02) (P ≤ 0.05).

Conclusion:

Advanced-PRF block showed significant clinical and radiographic improvement as compared to nHA alone which depicts that, it may be an ideal graft to be used for the treatment of periodontal intrabony defects.

Platelet-rich fibrin/anorganic bovine bone mineral complex as grafting materials in endodontic microsurgery with a large lesion size: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Endodontic microsurgery is a treatment of last resort for preserving natural teeth. According to radiographic evaluation, the percentage of complete healing after endodontic microsurgery is only 74.3%. The use of regenerative techniques in endodontic microsurgery for large lesions (>10 mm diameter) is therefore recommended. The most frequently used bone graft in endodontic microsurgery is anorganic bovine bone mineral (ABBM) but this only has an osteoconductive effect. Thus, when platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), a reservoir of growth factors, is used together with ABBM, it increases the regenerative effect. This study is devoted to comparing the clinical outcomes of PRF with/without ABBM as grafting biomaterials in endodontic microsurgery cases with large lesion size to provide some valuable reference data for dentists.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Sixteen patients who are in need of endodontic microsurgery will be recruited. The patients will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: an experimental group, treated with PRF/ABBM complex and collagen membrane, and a control group, treated with ABBM and collagen membrane. Clinical examination including percussion, mobility testing and presence/absence of sinus will be recorded at 7 days, and at 3, 6 and 12 months after endodontic microsurgery. A Visual Analogue Scale will be used by the patients to evaluate pain at 1, 3 and 7 days after endodontic microsurgery. Routine paralleling radiographs will be obtained before and at 3, 6 and 12 months follow-up after endodontic microsurgery. Cone-beam CT (CBCT) scans will be obtained at the 12-month follow-up. Bone formation will be evaluated according to CBCT and paralleling radiographs. The study execute time including follow-ups last from 1 June 2021 to 31 December 2024.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study received approval from the Ethics Committee of Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology. The results will be disseminated through scientific journals.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

Research data will be registered with the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP), ID: ChiCTR2100046684.

The Adjunctive Use of Leucocyte- and Platelet-Rich Fibrin in Periodontal Endosseous and Furcation Defects: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The aim of this systematic review of randomized controlled trials was to evaluate the adjunctive use of leucocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) in periodontal endosseous and furcation defects, as compared without L-PRF. The endosseous defect group was subclassified into: L-PRF/open flap debridement (L-PRF/OFD) versus OFD, L-PRF/osseous graft (L-PRF/OG) versus OG, L-PRF/Emdogain (L-PRF/EMD) versus EMD, and L-PRF/guided tissue regeneration (L-PRF/GTR) versus GTR. The furcation defect group was subclassified into L-PRF/OFD versus OFD, and L-PRF/OG versus OG. Mean difference, 95% confidence intervals and forest plots were calculated for probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL) and radiographic defect depth (DD). Nineteen studies concerning systemically healthy non-smokers were included. The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis showed in two- and/or three-wall endosseous defects that the adjunctive use of L-PRF to OFD or OG was significantly beneficial for PPD reduction, CAL gain and DD reduction, as compared without L-PRF. Furthermore, the data showed that for two- and/or three-wall endosseous defects, the adjunctive use of L-PRF to GTR was significantly beneficial for CAL and DD improvement, whereas adding L-PRF to EMD had no significant effect, and that for class II furcation defects, the addition of L-PRF to OFD was significantly beneficial for PPD, CAL and DD improvement, whereas the addition of L-PRF to OG was significantly clinically beneficial. In conclusion, this systematic review and meta-analysis found that there was significant clinical and radiographic additive effectiveness of L-PRF to OFD and to OG in two- and/or three-wall periodontal endosseous defects of systemically healthy non-smokers, as compared without L-PRF.

Efficacy of inorganic bovine bone combined with leukocyte and platelet-rich fibrin or collagen membranes for treating unfavorable periodontal infrabony defects: Randomized non-inferiority trial

BACKGROUND

Growing evidence shows the efficacy of platelet concentrates in periodontal therapy. This study aimed to demonstrate that an inorganic bovine bone graft (IBB) in combination with a leukocyte and platelet rich fibrin (L-PRF) is non-inferior to a combination with a collagen membrane (CM) when managing unfavorable infrabony defects (IBDs).

METHODS

All patients exhibited at least one unfavorable IBD; they were randomly assigned to two groups, 31 treated with L-PRF+IBB and 31 with CM+IBB. A clinical and radiographic examination was performed at baseline and 12 months later. Clinical attachment level (CAL), gingival recession (GR), probing depth (PD), and radiographic defect bone level (DBL) post-therapy changes were compared between the two treatments. A non-inferiority margin = 1 mm was set to determine the efficacy of the test treatment (-1 mm for GR); a second non-inferiority margin = 0.5 mm (-0.5 mm for GR) was chosen for clinical relevance.

RESULTS

Twelve months after surgery a significant improvement of clinical and radiographic parameters was observed at both experimental sites. The 90% confidence intervals of the CM+IBB-L-PRF+IBB mean difference for CAL gain (-0.810 mm [-1.300 to -0.319]) and DBL gain (-0.648 mm [-1.244 to -0.052]) were below the 0.5 mm non-inferiority margin; GR increase (1.284 mm [0.764 to 1.804]) remained above the -0.5 mm, while PD reduction (0.499 mm [0.145 to 0.853]) crossed its 0.5-mm margin.

CONCLUSIONS

The L-PRF+IBB treatment of unfavorable IBDs offers non-inferior efficacy for CAL gain, showing less GR and more DBL gain too, while for PD reduction it is inferior to the CM+IBB treatment.

Multi-walled carbon nanotube/hydroxyapatite nanocomposite with leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin for bone regeneration in sheep model

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of multi-walled carbon nanotubes/hydroxyapatite (MWCNT/HA) granules with or without leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) on bone regeneration in cancellous bone of sheep model.

METHODS

Totally, 32 cylindrical holes were drilled in female sheep (n = 4) in the distal epiphysis and proximal metaphysis of right and left humerus and femur. The defects were randomly filled with (1) MWCNT/HA, (2) MWCNT/HA mixed with L-PRF, (3) L-PRF, and (4) left empty as control. After 8 weeks, defects were evaluated and compared radiographically using multi-slice computed tomographic (CT) scan and cone beam CT scans, histologically and histomorphometrically.

RESULTS

The results showed that there was no significant inflammation (> 10%) or foreign body reaction around the granules. The new lamellar bone was regenerated around the MWCNT/HA nanocomposite granules. Addition of L-PRF to MWCNT/HA demonstrated significantly improvement of new bone formation, about 27.40 ± 1.08%, in comparison with the L-PRF alone, about (12.16 ± 1.46%) (P < 0.01). Also, the rate of new bone formation was significantly greater with the use of MWCNT/HA granules (24.59 ± 1.54%) compared to the control (10.36 ± 1.17%) (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Consequently, both biocompatibility and osteoconductivity of MWCNT/HA nanocomposite were demonstrated in the preclinical sheep model, and the use of L-PRF in combination with MWCNT/HA nanocomposite can improve bone regeneration.

Use of PRP, PRF and CGF in Periodontal Regeneration and Facial Rejuvenation-A Narrative Review

Growth factors (GFs) play a vital role in cell proliferation, migration, differentiation and angiogenesis. Autologous platelet concentrates (APCs) which contain high levels of GFs make them especially suitable for periodontal regeneration and facial rejuvenation. The main generations of APCs presented are platelet-rich plasma (PRP), platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and concentrated growth factor (CGF) techniques. The purpose of this review is to provide the clinician with an overview of APCs' evolution over the past decade in order to give reliable and useful information to be used in clinical work. This review summarizes the most interesting and novel articles published between 1997 and 2020. Electronic and manual searches were conducted in the following databases: Pubmed, Scopus, Cochrane Library and Embase. The following keywords were used: growth factors, VEGF, TGF-b1, PRP, PRF, CGF and periodontal regeneration and/or facial rejuvenation. A total of 73 articles were finally included. The review then addresses the uses of the three different techniques in the two disciplines, as well as the advantages and limitations of each technique. Overall, PRP is mainly used in cases of hard and soft tissue procedures, while PRF is used in gingival recession and the treatment of furcation and intrabony defects; CGF is mainly used in bone regeneration.

Clinical and radiographic evaluation of demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft with concentrated growth factor versus concentrated growth factor alone in the treatment of intrabony defects

BACKGROUND

Periodontal disease is one of the major causes of alveolar bone loss. There are various ways of regenerating the lost bone, i.e. guided tissue regeneration, bone grafts, and growth factors. In this purview, it becomes immensely important for a clinician to decide the best modality of treatment. In this study, we compared the effect of demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft (DFDBA) in combination with concentrated growth factors (CGF) verses CGF alone.

METHODS

This double-blind, split-mouth study was conducted on ten patients with two comparable bilateral intrabony defects. Each pair of defects was randomly treated by DFDBA + CGF or CGF alone. Clinical parameters such as plaque index (PI), modified gingival index (MGI), pocket probing depth (PPD), and relative attachment level (RAL) were recorded at baseline, three months, and six months. In addition, radiograph with grids was also taken at baseline and six months. The paired t-test was used to compare the pre- and post-treatment values and the unpaired t-test was used to compare the test and control group.

RESULTS

The PI score decreased significantly from baseline to six months. Similarly, the mean MGI score decreased significantly from baseline to six months. The intragroup comparison showed that there was a significant reduction in PPD in both the test and control group. However, the intergroup comparison showed that the reduced pocket depth was not significant. The intragroup radiographic comparison showed that there was the significant formation of bone in both the test and control group but inter-group showed that the formation of bone among both the group were non-significant.

CONCLUSION

Radiographic and clinical outcomes of this study concluded that post six months, both groups demonstrated significant improvement in clinical and radiographic parameters. However, the addition of DFDBA to CGFs did not give any additional benefits.

Use of platelet-rich fibrin for the treatment of periodontal intrabony defects: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives

This study aims to compare the treatment outcomes of periodontal intrabony defects by using platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) with other commonly utilized modalities.

Materials and methods

The eligibility criteria comprised randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the clinical outcomes of PRF with that of other modalities. Studies were classified into 10 categories as follows: (1) open flap debridement (OFD) alone versus OFD/PRF; (2) OFD/bone graft (OFD/BG) versus OFD/PRF; (3) OFD/BG versus OFD/BG/PRF; (4–6) OFD/barrier membrane (BM), OFD/PRP, or OFD/enamel matrix derivative (EMD) versus OFD/PRF; (7) OFD/EMD versus OFD/EMD/PRF; (8–10) OFD/PRF versus OFD/PRF/metformin, OFD/PRF/bisphosphonates, or OFD/PRF/statins. Weighted means and forest plots were calculated for probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and radiographic bone fill (RBF).

Results

From 551 articles identified, 27 RCTs were included. The use of OFD/PRF statistically significantly reduced PD and improved CAL and RBF when compared to OFD. No clinically significant differences were reported when OFD/BG was compared to OFD/PRF. The addition of PRF to OFD/BG led to significant improvements in CAL and RBF. No differences were reported between any of the following groups (OFD/BM, OFD/PRP, and OFD/EMD) when compared to OFD/PRF. No improvements were also reported when PRF was added to OFD/EMD. The addition of all three of the following biomolecules (metformin, bisphosphonates, and statins) to OFD/PRF led to statistically significant improvements of PD, CAL, and RBF.

Conclusions

The use of PRF significantly improved clinical outcomes in intrabony defects when compared to OFD alone with similar levels being observed between OFD/BG and OFD/PRF. Future research geared toward better understanding potential ways to enhance the regenerative properties of PRF with various small biomolecules may prove valuable for future clinical applications. Future research investigating PRF at histological level is also needed.

Clinical relevance

The use of PRF in conjunction with OFD statistically significantly improved PD, CAL, and RBF values, yielding to comparable outcomes to OFD/BG. The combination of PRF with bone grafts or small biomolecules may offer certain clinical advantages, thus warranting further investigations.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00784-021-03825-8.

Application of Platelet Rich Fibrin in Tissue Engineering: Focus on Bone Regeneration

Bone tissue engineering (BTE) is a strategy for reconstructing bone lesions, which is rapidly developing in response to higher demands for bone repairing. Recently, this method, along with the emergence of functionally graded, biocompatible and biodegradable materials, has been expanded. Moreover, scaffolds with chemical, physical and external patterns have induced bone regeneration. However, the maintenance of healthy bone and its regeneration in the human body needs a series of complex and accurate processes. Hence, many studies have been accompanied for reconstructing bone by using blood-derived biomaterials, especially platelet-rich fabricates. The most important reason for using platelet-rich formulations in bone regeneration is based on releasing growth factors from alpha granules in platelets, which can induce osteogenesis. Moreover, the presence of fibrin nano-fiber structures as a constituent can provide a good substrate for cell attachments. This study attempts to review the history, structure, and biology of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) as well as in vitro, pre-clinical, and clinical studies on the use of PRF for bone regeneration.

Treatment of periodontal intrabony defects using bovine porous bone mineral and guided tissue regeneration with/without platelet-rich fibrin: a randomized controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND

To investigate the regenerative effect of adjunctive use of guided tissue regeneration (GTR), bovine porous bone mineral (BPBM), and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) in intrabony defects.

METHODS

Fourteen participants were enrolled, and for each patient their left and right two sides were randomized to the test group or control group. Only the worst intrabony defect on each side was analyzed. The test group received GTR, BPBM, and PRF, whereas the control group received only GTR and BPBM. The PRF used in the trial was fluid PRF, which combined with the BPBM to form a BPBM-PRF complex. The patients were followed up by clinical and radiographic evaluation for 24 months after surgery.

RESULTS

Probing depth (PD) in the test group was significantly less than that in the control group at 12 and 24 months after surgery, and the mean difference was ≈ 0.5 to 0.7 mm. Clinical attachment level (CAL) gain in the test group was ≈ 0.9 mm higher than that in the control group at 6 months after surgery, and the difference reached 1.0 to 1.1 mm 12 and 24 months after surgery. None of the other clinical or radiographic parameters differed significantly between the two groups at any time-point after the surgery.

CONCLUSION

Compared with GTR and BPBM, the combination of GTR and BPBM-PRF complex is more effective clinically, and results in better clinical outcomes.

Use of Platelet-Rich Fibrin in the Treatment of Periodontal Intrabony Defects: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a kind of autologous platelet concentrate which is easy to obtain and cheap. In recent years, it has been studied to improve the effect of periodontal regeneration. However, few studies have systematically evaluated the complementary effect of PRF in the treatment of intrabony defects. The present review is aimed at systematically assessing the effects of PRF on clinical and radiological outcomes of the surgical treatment of periodontal intrabony defects.

Methods

The protocol was registered at PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews) as CRD42020206056. An electronic search was conducted in MEDLINE, Cochrane, and EMBASE databases. Only randomized clinical trials were selected. Systematically healthy patients with two or three walls of intrabony defects were considered. Intrabony defect (IBD) depth reduction and bone fill (BF) % were set as primary outcomes while probing depth (PD) reduction, clinical attachment level (CAL) gain, and gingival margin level (GML) gain were considered as the secondary outcome. When possible, a meta-analysis was performed.

Results

Eighteen articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria, and seventeen studies were quantitatively analyzed. Of 17 studies, four were rated as high risk of bias and thirteen as the moderate risk of bias. Two comparisons were set: (1) open flap debridement (OFD) combined with PRF and OFD alone and (2) bone grafting (BG) combined with PRF and BG alone. Compared to OFD alone, OFD+PRF showed significantly greater in all primary and secondary outcomes. Compared to BG alone, BG+PRF showed significantly greater in IBD depth reduction, PD reduction, CAL gain, and GML gain.

Conclusions

The use of PRF was significantly effective in the treatment of periodontal intrabony defects. The benefit of OFD+PRF may be greater than BG+PRF. PRF can promote early wound healing in periodontal surgery. As all included studies were not at low risk of bias, well-designed RCTs having a high methodological quality are needed to clarify the additional effectiveness of PRF in the treatment of intrabony defects in the future.

The effects of a novel non-invasive application of platelet-rich fibrin on periodontal clinical parameters and gingival crevicular fluid transforming growth factor-β and collagen-1 levels: A randomized, controlled, clinical study

BACKGROUND

Several potential benefits have been attributed to the platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), including enhanced tissue healing properties. In this study, we hypothesized that the application of PRF as an adjunct to conventional scaling and root planing (ScRp) would enhance the outcomes of non-surgical periodontal therapy.

METHODS

The present study was a split-mouth randomized controlled clinical trial design in 24 deep periodontal pockets in 12 patients with periodontitis. The pockets were randomly assigned as test or control. The test group received PRF as an adjunct to ScRp, whereas the control group received ScRp only. We measured periodontal clinical parameters at baseline, 3, and 6 months after the treatments. To study the initial healing in response to treatment, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and collagen-1 (Col-1) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at baseline, third, seventh, and 14th days.

RESULTS

The test group showed a significantly greater pocket reduction, higher clinical attachment gain, and less gingival recession than the control group at 3 and 6 months. The test Col-1 levels (1.27 ± 1.05, 1.35 ± 0.76, 0.97 ± 0.53 ng/site) and TGF-β levels (11.93 ± 2.68, 12.54 ± 3.66, 17.19 ± 11.66 pg/site) were higher than the control Col-1 levels (0.76 ± 0.20, 0.84 ± 0.24, 0.57 ± 0.19 ng/site) and TGF-β levels (6.34 ± 1.67, 6.35 ± 3.44, 7.51 ± 2.85 pg/site) at all measurement days respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Non-surgical application of the PRF as an adjunct to conventional ScRp may effectively improve the periodontal clinical parameters via increasing expression of the GCF TGF-β and Col-1 levels.

The clinical implications of platelet-rich fibrin on periodontal regeneration: A systematic review

Objectives

Platelet concentrates have been shown to enhance periodontal regeneration when used as a treatment on their own or in conjunction with bone grafting materials. This systematic review aims to assess the effects of using platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), both alone and in combination with other conventionally used materials, on periodontal regeneration in clinical trials.

Materials and methods

A systematic electronic search was performed in the electronic databases MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, and Web of Science. Specifically, we searched for English language articles published between 2009 and 2019 that conducted in-human studies and included a summary of the results. Our primary search yielded 220 articles, and of these, 110 were clinical studies. Forty-four articles were then selected for a full reading.

Results

Twenty-six randomized control trials (RCTs) met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. Despite the differences between the reviewed studies, most revealed the ability of PRF to promote periodontal wound healing. The positive effects of PRF were observed in clinical criteria, such as reductions in pocket probing depth (PD) and increases in clinical attachment level (CAL), as well as in the degree of defect bone fill, which was determined either radiographically or by surgical re-entry.

Conclusions

Additional studies are needed to compare the clinical outcomes of various PRF application procedures and establish standardized protocols for treating periodontal disease with PRF.

Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Using Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) and Nanohydroxyapatite (nano-HA) in Treatment of Periodontal Intra-Bony Defects - A Randomized Controlled Trial

The study aims to assess the concentration of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) with platelet rich fibrin (PRF) biomaterial, while using it separately or in combination with nanohydroxyapatite (nano-HA) for treating intra-bony defects (IBDs) using radiographic evaluation (DBS-Win software). Sixty patients with IBD (one site/patient) and chronic periodontitis were recruited randomly to test either autologous PRF platelet concentrate, nano-HA bone graft, a combination of PRF platelet concentrate and nano-HA, or alone conventional open flap debridement (OFD). Recordings of clinical parameters including probing depth (PD), gingival index (GI), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were obtained at baseline and 6 months, post-operatively. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare four groups; whereas, multiple comparisons were done through Tukey’s post hoc test. The results showed that CAL at baseline changed from 6.67 ± 1.23 to 4.5 ± 1.42 in group I, 6.6 ± 2.51 to 4.9 ± 1.48 in group II, 5.2 ± 2.17 to 3.1 ± 1.27 in group III, and 4.7 ± 2.22 to 3.7 ± 2.35 in group IV after 6 months. The most significant increase in bone density and fill was observed for IBD depth in group III that was recorded as 62.82 ± 24.6 and 2.31 ± 0.75 mm, respectively. VEGF concentrations were significantly increased at 3, 7, and 14 days in all groups. The use of PRF with nano-HA was successful regenerative periodontal therapy to manage periodontal IBDs, unlike using PRF alone. Increase in VEGF concentrations in all group confirmed its role in angiogenesis and osteogenesis in the early stages of bone defect healing.

Periodontal regeneration by leukocyte and platelet-rich fibrin with autogenous bone graft versus enamel matrix derivative with autogenous bone graft in the treatment of periodontal intrabony defects: A randomized non-inferiority trial

BACKGROUND

Aim of the present study was to ascertain if a combination of leukocyte and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) + autogenous bone graft (ABG) may be a clinically "non-inferior" treatment modality as compared with the association of enamel matrix derivative (EMD) with ABG in the management of intrabony defects (IBDs).

METHODS

A total of forty-four patients, exhibiting at least one unfavorable intraosseous defect, were treated by L-PRF associated with ABG (22 patients; test group) or EMD+ABG (control group) in each defect. At baseline and 12 months, a complete clinical and radiographic examination was done. Pre- and post-therapy clinical (probing pocket depth [PPD], clinical attachment level [CAL], gingival recession [GR]) and radiographic (defect Bone level [(DBL)] parameters for the different treatments were compared. To guarantee the test treatment's efficacy 1mm was chosen as non-inferiority margin; for clinical relevance, a second non-inferiority margin = 0.5 mm was set.

RESULTS

Clinical and radiographic parameters significantly improved 12 months after surgery in both test and control sites, without inter-groups differences for each measurement. The control group - test group differences for the parameters CAL gain -0.248 mm (-0.618 to 0.122), PPD Reduction -0.397 mm (-0.810 to 0.015), GR Change 0.059 mm (-0.300 to 0.418), DBL Gain -0.250 mm (-0.746 to 0.246) were all within the non-inferiority margin of 0.5 mm.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that the L-PRF+ABG combined treatment of non-contained IBDs produces non-inferior results in terms of CAL gain, PPD reduction, GR increase and DBL gain in comparison with the EMD+ABG combination.

Comparative assessment of periodontal regeneration in periodontal intraosseous defects treated with PepGen P-15 unaided or in blend with platelet-rich fibrin: A clinical and high-resolution computed tomography scan-assisted volumetric analysis

Background:

PepGen P-15, a xenograft, has proven its periodontal regenerative potential. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is an autologous platelet concentrate which too contributes to periodontal redevelopment through the release of different polypeptide progression factors. The present study intended to evaluate the regenerative potential of PepGen P-15 xenograft when used unaccompanied or in blend with PRF in periodontal intraosseous defects in humans through clinical and a novel computed tomography (CT) scan analysis technique.

Materials and Methods:

Twelve chronic periodontitis individuals with paired periodontal intraosseous defects were randomly treated either with PepGen P-15 exclusively (Control/Group A) or in concoction with PRF (Test/Group B) utilizing split-mouth study design. Pocket probing depth (PPD), relative attachment level (RAL), and relative position of gingival margin were assessed at 3- and 6-month interval, whereas the linear and volumetric bone defect regeneration were assessed at 6 months postoperatively using CT scan.

Results:

Both the groups validated statistically significant PPD reduction, RAL gain at 3 and 6 months, but on intergroup comparison, test group CT images revealed significantly greater linear bone gain and volumetric bone gain, with mean difference of 0.73 ± 0.28 (P = 0.018) and 2.70 ± 1.36 (P = 0.06) at 6 months in comparison to the baseline data.

Conclusions:

PepGen P-15 and PRF blend had better regeneration potential for the management of intrabony defects. Further long-term investigations on large sample size are recommended to authenticate the same.

Clinical and Radiographic Evaluation of Nanohydroxyapatite Powder in Combination with Polylactic Acid/Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer as Bone Replacement Graft in the Surgical Treatment of Intrabony Periodontal Defects: A Retrospective Case Series Study

The aim of this retrospective case series was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of nanohydroxyapatite powder (NHA) in combination with polylactic acid/polyglycolic acid copolymer (PLGA) as a bone replacement graft in the surgical treatment of intrabony periodontal defects. Medical charts were screened following inclusion and exclusion criteria. Periodontal parameters and periapical radiographs taken before surgery and at 12-month follow-up were collected. Intra-group comparisons were performed using a two-tailed Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Twenty-five patients (13 males, 12 females, mean age 55.1 ± 10.5 years) were included in the final analysis. Mean probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) at baseline were 8.32 ± 1.41 mm and 9.96 ± 1.69 mm, respectively. Twelve months after surgery, mean PD was 4.04 ± 0.84 mm and CAL was 6.24 ± 1.71 mm. Both PD and CAL variations gave statistically significant results (p < 0.00001). The mean radiographic defect depth was 5.54 ± 1.55 mm and 1.48 ± 1.38 mm at baseline and at 12-month follow-up, respectively (p < 0.0001). This case series, with the limitations inherent in the study design, showed that the combination of NHA and PLGA, used as bone replacement graft in intrabony periodontal defects, may give significant improvements of periodontal parameters at 12-month follow-up.

Comparison of GTR, T-PRF and open-flap debridement in the treatment of intrabony defects with endo-perio lesions: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Titanium- prepared platelet rich fibrin (T-PRF) is an autologous hemo-component with a high concentration of platelets that also incorporates leukocytes, and growth factors into the dense fibrin matrix and can be used as a healing biomaterial. This study assesses the adjunctive use of T-PRF in intrabony defects (IBDs) with open flap debridement (OFD) in comparison with guided tissue regeneration (GTR) as a gold standard and OFD alone as a control.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 45 patients (15 per group) were randomized as either T-PRF (test group), GTR (test group), or OFD alone (control group) sites. Probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and IBD were recorded. The radiographic depth of IBD was also measured. Primary outcomes assessed were changes in PD, CAL, and radiographic IBD that were assessed at the beginning and nine months later.  Results: The PRF and GTR group showed significant improvement in clinical parameters compared with the OFD alone (control group) at nine months. While there were no significant differences in PD and CAL between test groups (T-PRF and GTR groups), the significant difference was found in radiographic IBD depth.

CONCLUSION

T-PRF may give similar successful results as GTR in the treatment of IBDs with endo-perio lesions.

Platelet-Rich Fibrin as a Bone Graft Material in Oral and Maxillofacial Bone Regeneration: Classification and Summary for Better Application

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is an autologous platelet concentrate that consists of cytokines, platelets, leukocytes, and circulating stem cells. It has been considered to be effective in bone regeneration and is mainly used for oral and maxillofacial bone. Although currently the use of PRF is thought to support alveolar ridge preservation, there is a lack of evidence regarding the application of PRF in osteogenesis. In this paper, we will provide examples of PRF application, and we will also summarize different measures to improve the properties of PRF for achieving better osteogenesis. The effect of PRF as a bone graft material on osteogenesis based on laboratory investigations, animal tests, and clinical evaluations is first reviewed here. In vitro, PRF was able to stimulate cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, mineralization, and osteogenesis-related gene expression. Preclinical and clinical trials suggested that PRF alone may have a limited effect. To enlighten researchers, modified PRF graft materials are further reviewed, including PRF combined with other bone graft materials, PRF combined with drugs, and a new-type PRF. Finally, we will summarize the common shortcomings in the application of PRF that probably lead to application failure. Future scientists should avoid or solve these problems to achieve better regeneration.

Platelet-rich fibrin along with a modified minimally invasive surgical technique for the treatment of intrabony defects: a randomized clinical trial

Purpose

The modified minimally invasive surgical technique (M-MIST) has been successfully employed to achieve periodontal regeneration. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is known to enhance wound healing through the release of growth factors. This study aimed to observe the outcomes of periodontal surgery when M-MIST was used with or without PRF for the treatment of isolated intrabony defects.

Methods

This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 36 systemically healthy patients, who had chronic periodontitis associated with a single-site buccal probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level of ≥5 mm. Patients were randomly divided into 2 groups: the test group treated with M-MIST and PRF, and the control group treated with M-MIST alone. The primary periodontal parameters analyzed were PPD, relative attachment level (RAL), and relative gingival margin level. The radiographic parameters analyzed were change in alveolar crest position (C-ACP), linear bone growth (LBG), and percentage bone fill (%BF). Patients were followed up to 6 months post-surgery.

Results

Intragroup comparisons at 3 and 6 months showed consistently significant improvements in PPD and RAL in both the groups. In intergroup comparisons, the improvement in PPD reduction, gain in RAL, and the level of the gingival margin was similar in both groups at 3 and 6 months of follow-up. Furthermore, an intergroup comparison of radiographic parameters also demonstrated similar improvements in C-ACP, LBG, and %BF at 6 months of follow-up.

Conclusions

M-MIST with or without PRF yielded comparable periodontal tissue healing in terms of improvements in periodontal and radiographic parameters. Further investigation is required to confirm the beneficial effects of PRF with M-MIST.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03169920.

Actual quantitative attachment gain secondary to use of autologous platelet concentrates in the treatment of intrabony defects: A meta-analysis

Background

There are no authoritative meta-analyses and no clear quantitative assessments available estimating effects of open flap debridement (OFD) combined with platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) over and above that of OFD. This study evaluated the actual quantitative mean gain for various clinical (clinical attachment level [CAL], probing pocket depth [PPD] and gingival marginal level [GML]) and radiographic (intrabony defect depth [IBD]) parameters of Platelet Concentrates- PCs (PRP/PRF) as sole grafting material along with OFD and OFD alone in the treatment of intrabony defects.

Materials and Methods

A detailed electronic search was carried out in PUBMED/MEDLINE, COCHRANE, EBSCOHOST, and Google Scholar databases by unifying related search terms with additional hand searches in select specialty journals up to May 2017. The eligibility criteria included human randomized clinical trials, either of a parallel group or a split-mouth design with follow-up period of at least 6 months. Periodontal intrabony defects with radiographic IBD ≥3 mm with corresponding CAL ≥5 mm were included. For the meta-analysis, the inverse variance method was used in fixed- or random-effect models.

Results

Actual quantitative mean gains were calculated for OFD with PRF/PRP (CAL = 1.1 mm, IBD = 1.68 mm, PPD = 0.97 mm and GML = 0.48 mm) over and above that of OFD alone.

Conclusion

Because of very high heterogeneity, the results may not be dependable. Apart from gains in radiographic bone fill, all other periodontal clinical parameters showed negligible gains. Using PRF technologies in periodontal intrabony defects may not be of great clinical significance over and above that of OFD alone, the effect sizes are also not large enough.

The Combined Effect of Bioactive Glass and Platelet-Rich Fibrin in Treating Human Periodontal Intrabony Defects - A Clinicoradiographic Study

Background:

Platelets are richest source for cytokine and growth factors which are two important components for the re-establishment of bone and maturation of the soft tissue.

Aims and Objective:

The additive effect of PRF along with a synthetic bone graft material in treating human intrabony periodontal defects has been evaluated in this study. The appropriate use of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) as an alternate comfortable graft material to restore the lost periodontal tissues has been well documented and has given clinically promising outcome.

Materials and Method:

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is prepared from patient's own blood which is autologous in nature. Perio Glas (PG) is an easy to use synthetic absorbable osteostimulative as well as osteoconductive bone graft material. The selected 30 sites were randomly divided into two groups such as Test (15 sites using PRF) and Control (15 sites without PRF).

Results:

At the end of Six months, the post-operative evaluations revealed significant reduction in PPD and gain in CAL. Radiographic evidence of bone formation was also noticed. The incorporation of PRF with synthetic bone graft (perioglas) produces effective and rapid periodontal regeneration with improved healing in intrabony osseous defects. The PRF group showed a mean Radiographic Defect Fill (RDL) of 1.24 ± 0.04 compared with 0.79 ± 0.07 of control group which is statistically significant.

Conclusion:

This combination technique can be used as an alternate grafting modality for the treatment of intrabony periodontal defects with satisfactory clinical consequences.

Clinical and radiographic evaluation and comparison of bioactive bone alloplast morsels when used alone and in combination with platelet-rich fibrin in the treatment of periodontal intrabony defects-A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The present study aims to evaluate and compare the clinical and radiographic changes obtained through Bioactive Glass (BG) with and without autologous platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) in the treatment of intrabony defects in chronic periodontitis patients.

METHODS

The present study was a split-mouth randomized controlled clinical trial comprising 20 chronic periodontitis patients (mean age: 35.9 years) having at least one pair of bilateral intrabony defect. Group 1 included 20 sites treated with a combination of BG and autologous PRF whereas 20 sites in Group 2 were treated with BG alone. Probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL) and gingival recession (GR) were evaluated at 3 and 6 months and bone fill at 6 months by using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) analysis. Primary study outcomes were changes in PPD, CAL, GR, and bone fill.

RESULTS

CAL gain was greater in Group 1 (5.05 ± 1.09 mm) when compared with Group 2 (4.2 ± 1.70 mm). Furthermore, a significantly greater bone fill was found in Group 1. At 6 months, statistically significant reduction in PPD in Group 1 and Group 2 was evident.

CONCLUSION

BG morsel when used in combination with PRF is found to be more effective in gain in CAL, reduction in PPD and achieving greater bone fill as compared with treatment with BG alone in periodontal intrabony defects and is indicative of enhanced periodontal regeneration.

Autologous platelet concentrates for treating periodontal infrabony defects

BACKGROUND

Periodontal disease is a condition affecting tooth-supporting tissues (gingiva, alveolar bone, periodontal ligament, and cementum), with the potential of introducing severe adverse effects on oral health. It has a complex pathogenesis which involves the combination of specific micro-organisms and a predisposing host response. Infrabony defects are one of the morphological types of alveolar bone defects that can be observed during periodontitis. Recent approaches for the treatment of infrabony defects, combine advanced surgical techniques with platelet-derived growth factors. These are naturally synthesized polypeptides, acting as mediators for various cellular activities during wound healing. It is believed that the adjunctive use of autologous platelet concentrates to periodontal surgical procedures produces a better and more predictable outcome for the treatment of infrabony defects.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of autologous platelet concentrates (APC) used as an adjunct to periodontal surgical therapies (open flap debridement (OFD), OFD combined with bone grafting (BG), guided tissue regeneration (GTR), OFD combined with enamel matrix derivative (EMD)) for the treatment of infrabony defects.

SEARCH METHODS

Cochrane Oral Health's Information Specialist searched the following databases: Cochrane Oral Health's Trials Register (to 27 February 2018); the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2018, Issue 1) in the Cochrane Library (searched 27 February 2018); MEDLINE Ovid (1946 to 27 February 2018); Embase Ovid (1980 to 27 February 2018); and LILACS BIREME Virtual Health Library (from 1982 to 27 February 2018). The US National Institutes of Health Ongoing Trials Register (ClinicalTrials.gov) and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform were searched for ongoing trials on 27 February 2018. No restrictions were placed on the language or date of publication when searching the electronic databases.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of both parallel and split-mouth design, involving patients with infrabony defects requiring surgical treatment. Studies had to compare treatment outcomes of a specific surgical technique combined with APC, with the same technique when used alone.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently conducted data extraction and risk of bias assessment, and analysed data following Cochrane methods. The primary outcomes assessed were: change in probing pocket depth (PD), change in clinical attachment level (CAL), and change in radiographic bone defect filling (RBF). We organised all data in four groups, each comparing a specific surgical technique when applied with the adjunct of APC or alone: 1. APC + OFD versus OFD, 2. APC + OFD + BG versus OFD + BG, 3. APC + GTR versus GTR, and 4. APC + EMD versus EMD.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 38 RCTs. Twenty-two had a split-mouth design, and 16 had a parallel design. The overall evaluated data included 1402 defects. Two studies were at unclear overall risk of bias, while the remaining 36 studies had a high overall risk of bias.1. APC + OFD versus OFD alone Twelve studies were included in this comparison, with a total of 510 infrabony defects. There is evidence of an advantage in using APC globally from split-mouth and parallel studies for all three primary outcomes: PD (mean difference (MD) 1.29 mm, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.00 to 1.58 mm; P < 0.001; 12 studies; 510 defects; very low-quality evidence); CAL (MD 1.47 mm, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.82 mm; P < 0.001; 12 studies; 510 defects; very low-quality evidence); and RBF (MD 34.26%, 95% CI 30.07% to 38.46%; P < 0.001; 9 studies; 401 defects; very low-quality evidence).2. APC + OFD + BG versus OFD + BG Seventeen studies were included in this comparison, with a total of 569 infrabony defects. Considering all follow-ups, as well as 3 to 6 months and 9 to 12 months, there is evidence of an advantage in using APC from both split-mouth and parallel studies for all three primary outcomes: PD (MD 0.54 mm, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.75 mm; P < 0.001; 17 studies; 569 defects; very low-quality evidence); CAL (MD 0.72 mm, 95% CI 0.43 to 1.00 mm; P < 0.001; 17 studies; 569 defects; very low-quality evidence); and RBF (MD 8.10%, 95% CI 5.26% to 10.94%; P < 0.001; 11 studies; 420 defects; very low-quality evidence).3. APC + GTR versus GTR alone Seven studies were included in this comparison, with a total of 248 infrabony defects. Considering all follow-ups, there is probably a benefit for APC for both PD (MD 0.92 mm, 95% CI -0.02 to 1.86 mm; P = 0.05; very low-quality evidence) and CAL (MD 0.42 mm, 95% CI -0.02 to 0.86 mm; P = 0.06; very low-quality evidence). However, given the wide confidence intervals, there might be a possibility of a slight benefit for the control. When considering a 3 to 6 months and a 9 to 12 months follow-up there were no benefits evidenced, except for CAL at 3 to 6 months (MD 0.54 mm, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.89 mm; P = 0.003; 3 studies; 134 defects). No RBF data were available.4. APC + EMD versus EMDTwo studies were included in this comparison, with a total of 75 infrabony defects. There is insufficient evidence of an overall advantage of using APC for all three primary outcomes: PD (MD 0.13 mm, 95% CI -0.05 to 0.30 mm; P = 0.16; 2 studies; 75 defects; very low-quality evidence), CAL (MD 0.10 mm, 95% CI -0.13 to 0.32 mm; P = 0.40; 2 studies; 75 defects; very low-quality evidence), and RBF (MD -0.60%, 95% CI -6.21% to 5.01%; P = 0.83; 1 study; 49 defects; very low-quality evidence).All studies in all groups reported a survival rate of 100% for the treated teeth. No complete pocket closure was reported. No quantitative analysis regarding patients' quality of life was possible.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is very low-quality evidence that the adjunct of APC to OFD or OFD + BG when treating infrabony defects may improve probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level, and radiographic bone defect filling. For GTR or EMD, insufficient evidence of an advantage in using APC was observed.

Use of platelet-rich fibrin in regenerative dentistry: a systematic review

OBJECTIVES

Research across many fields of medicine now points towards the clinical advantages of combining regenerative procedures with platelet-rich fibrin (PRF). This systematic review aimed to gather the extensive number of articles published to date on PRF in the dental field to better understand the clinical procedures where PRF may be utilized to enhance tissue/bone formation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Manuscripts were searched systematically until May 2016 and separated into the following categories: intrabony and furcation defect regeneration, extraction socket management, sinus lifting procedures, gingival recession treatment, and guided bone regeneration (GBR) including horizontal/vertical bone augmentation procedures. Only human randomized clinical trials were included for assessment.

RESULTS

In total, 35 articles were selected and divided accordingly (kappa = 0.94). Overall, the use of PRF has been most investigated in periodontology for the treatment of periodontal intrabony defects and gingival recessions where the majority of studies have demonstrated favorable results in soft tissue management and repair. Little to no randomized clinical trials were found for extraction socket management although PRF has been shown to significantly decrease by tenfold dry sockets of third molars. Very little to no data was available directly investigating the effects of PRF on new bone formation in GBR, horizontal/vertical bone augmentation procedures, treatment of peri-implantitis, and sinus lifting procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

Much investigation now supports the use of PRF for periodontal and soft tissue repair. Despite this, there remains a lack of well-conducted studies demonstrating convincingly the role of PRF during hard tissue bone regeneration. Future human randomized clinical studies evaluating the use of PRF on bone formation thus remain necessary.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

PRF was shown to improve soft tissue generation and limit dimensional changes post-extraction, with little available data to date supporting its use in GBR.