Evaluation of platelet-rich fibrin and tricalcium phosphate bone graft in bone fill of intrabony defects using cone-beam computed tomography: A randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND: Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is the second-generation platelet concentrate first described by Choukron et al. It incorporates leukocytes, platelets, and growth factors within dense fibrin matrix, can be used in periodontal regeneration alone or in combination with bone grafts. AIM: This study assesses bone fill in intrabony defects, following the use of β tricalcium phosphate (TCP) bone graft with and without PRF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty sites with intrabony defects in periodontitis patients were selected, randomly allotted into three groups: Group A open flap debridement (OFD), Group B OFD with β TCP with PRF, and Group C β TCP. Clinical parameters such as plaque index, gingival index, sulcus bleeding index, and PPD recorded at baseline and 6 months. Radiographic parameters include cementoenamel junction (CEJ) to base of defect, CEJ to alveolar crest, depth of defect, and bone fill assessed using the cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). The comparison between the test group and control group in terms of clinical and radiographical parameters was assessed using the independent sample t-test. RESULTS: Significant reduction in probing depth measurements, defect fill observed in both β TCP with PRF and β TCP alone groups compared to OFD. However, intergroup comparison assessed using the independent sample t-test found to be statistically nonsignificant (P < 0.05 is considered significant). CONCLUSION: All three treatment strategies resulted in significant reduction in probing depth and bone fill at 6 months. Bone fill achieved in β TCP with PRF was more compared to β TCP alone and OFD at 6 months follow-up. CBCT can be accurately used to assess the morphology of intrabony defect and also in evaluating bone fill.