Clinical effectiveness of autologous platelet rich fibrin in the management of infrabony periodontal defects.

Background: This interventional controlled clinical trial with split mouth design compares the clinical effectiveness of autologous platelet rich fibrin with open flap debridement in the management of infrabony periodontal defects.

Methods: Fifteen patients with paired contralateral infrabony defects were treated with open flap debridement and autologous platelet rich fibrin (experimental group) or open flap debridement alone (control group). The changes in probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level, and radiographic defect depth were evaluated. Patient perception regarding pain and discomfort following the procedures and early soft tissue healing responses were assessed by visual analog scales, scored 7 days after the surgical procedures. Final reevaluation was done 1 year after surgery.

Results: Baseline clinical and radiographic measurements were comparable between the groups. Reevaluation at 1 year revealed that both treatment modalities resulted in a significant decrease in probing pocket depth, gain in clinical attachment and radiographic bone fill of the defects compared to baseline. Postoperative differences observed between the two groups were 2.27±0.29mm (P<0.001) for probing pocket depth, 3.33±0.35mm (P<0.001) for clinical attachment level and 1.29±0.32mm (P<0.001) for radiographic infrabony defect depth reduction, all in favor of the experimental group. Patient preference was greater and early healing response better for the experimental group as assessed by the visual analog scores.

Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study it can be concluded that use of platelet rich fibrin is more effective than open flap debridement alone in the management of infrabony periodontal defects.