A Combination of Beta-tricalcium Phosphate, Plasmogel, and Platelet-rich Plasma Improves Long-term Bone Tissue Restoration after Complicated Lower Third Molar Surgery: A Nonrandomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: A surgical removal of the lower third molars can lead to a number of complications, and bone restoration typically takes a large amount of time. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of the combination of beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), plasmogel, and platelet-rich plasma on postsurgery bone tissue restoration by means of X-ray. Subjects and Methods: A total of 200 patients who underwent a complicated removal of the lower third molars were nonrandomly assigned to the experimental (EXP, n = 100) or control (CTR, n = 100) group. In the EXP group patients, sockets were filled with a combination of β-TCP, plasmogel, and platelet-rich plasma. In the CTR group, sockets were not treated. X-ray examinations were performed 3, 6, and 9 months (T1, T2, and T3) postsurgery to define bone quality on the Misch scale. The Mann–Whitney U-test was used for between-group comparison. Results: Aside from the overconsumption of sugars (more frequently in CTR) and marginally significant sex ratio difference (more females in CTR), the groups were equivalent. Although both groups improved on bone density with time, the EXP group demonstrated greater restoration at T1 (U = 3431, P < 0.001), T2 (U = 3190, P < 0.001), and T3 (U = 3505, P < 0.001) related to a greater percentage of D2 (dense thick porous cortical bone on the ridge and a coarse underlying trabecular bone). Conclusion: A combination of β-TCP, plasmogel, and platelet-rich plasma, compared to no treatment, facilitates bone tissue restoration after complicated surgical removal of the lower third molars.

Keywords

• beta-tricalcium phosphate
• bone tissue restoration
• lower third molar removal
• platelet-rich
• plasma
• x-ray