Use of Platelet Rich Plasma in the Management of Periodontal Intra-Osseous Defects: A Clinical Study

BACKGROUND: Periodontal disease is characterized by the presence of gingival inflammation, periodontal pocket formation, loss of connective tissue attachment, and alveolar bone around the affected tooth. Alveolar bone support and attachment apparatus regeneration has been achieved through various processes and have given elusive results. An expedient and cost-effective approach to obtain autologous platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β is the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP). PRP is obtained by sequestrating and concentrating platelets by gradient density centrifugation. AIMS: The current study was aimed at evaluating the regenerative potential of platelet-rich plasma in comparison with open flap debridement. SETTINGS AND DESIGNS: This study was a randomized controlled clinical trial conducted in the Department of Periodontics and Oral Implantology, KIDS, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty periodontal infrabony defects in 10 patients; 6 males and 4 females of age between 25–45 years were included in this study and were followed up for a period of 6 months. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Both the groups showed a mean plaque index of 2.10 and 2.50 at baseline, 1.75 and 2.05 at 3 months, and 1.28 and 1.53 at the end of 6 months. The mean reduction of 0.35 and 0.45 at three months and 0.82 and 0.97 at six months was achieved, which was statistically significant. (P < 0.001). When comparison was done between the two groups it was not found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05). In each of the group there was definitive reduction in plaque score over a period of time. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: There was no statistically significant difference in the treatment outcome between open flap debridement and PRP alone. Platelet-rich plasma application holds promise and needs further exploration.