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

Abstract

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.

Keywords

• platelet-rich fibrin
• periodontal pocket
• periodontitis
• scaling and root planing