Comparative evaluation of platelet-rich fibrin versus beta-tri-calcium phosphate in the treatment of Grade II mandibular furcation defects using cone-beam computed tomography

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to evaluate clinically and radiographically the efficacy of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) versus β-tri-calcium phosphate (β-TCP) in the treatment of Grade II mandibular furcation defects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five Grade II furcation defect in mandibular molars which were assigned to open flap debridement (OFD) with PRF Group I (n = 15), to OFD with β-TCP Group II (n = 15), and to OFD alone Group III (n = 15) were analyzed for clinical parameters (probing pocket depth [PPD], vertical clinical attachment level [VCAL], horizontal clinical attachment level [HCAL], gingival recession, relative vertical height of furcation [r-VHF], and relative horizontal depth of furcation [r-HDF]) and radiographical parameters (horizontal depth of furcation [H-DOF], vertical height of furcation [V-HOF]) using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) at 6 months interval. RESULTS: For clinical parameters, reduction in PPD and gain in VCAL and HCAL were higher in Group II as compared to Group I. Change in r-VHF and r-HDF was greater in Group II as compared to Group I. Mean percentage clinical vertical defect fill was higher in Group II as compared to Group I (58.52% ± 11.68% vs. 53.24% ± 13.22%, respectively). On CBCT, mean change at 6 months for all parameters showed nonsignificant difference between the two experimental groups. Mean change in V-HOF was higher in Group I as compared to Group II, but mean change in H-DOF and furcation width was more in Group II as compared to Group I. CONCLUSION: For both experimental and control groups, there was statistically significant improvement at 6 months follow-up from baseline values.