Evaluation of Platelet-Rich Fibrin Matrix as a Regenerative Material in the Surgical Management of Human Periodontal Intraosseous Defects – A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND: Platelet-rich fibrin matrix (PRFM) has not been extensively studied as other platelet concentrates such as Choukron's platelet-rich fibrin (PRF). This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate PRFM regenerative ability in human periodontal intrabony defects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients (age: 30–55 years) having probing pocket depth (PPD) ≥6 mm, and radiographic evidence of bilateral vertical intrabony defects were recruited. A split-mouth design was used in each patient; one quadrant of the arch was treated with open flap debridement (OFD) alone (control group) and the other quadrant with OFD + PRFM (test group). The PRFM was prepared by dual-spin technology using a patented thixotropic separator gel. Outcome measures comprising plaque index, gingival index (GI), PPD, clinical attachment level (CAL), depth of the defect, defect fill (DF), and percentage of DF (PDF) were recorded at baseline, after 3 months and 6 months. The parameters were applicably analyzed using the Friedman test, Fisher's exact test, t-test, paired t-test, repeated measures ANOVA, and Post Hoc-Bonferroni correction. RESULTS: The GI, a net reduction in CAL, and PPD of the test group were significantly better than the control group at 3 months and 6 months (P < 0.05), while DF and PDF showed significant results at 6 months (P < 0.05). A consistent early wound healing index of 1 at 1 week was displayed in the test group (66.7%) in comparison to the control group (33.7%). CONCLUSION: PRFM can be a clinically significant periodontal regenerative material in the treatment of vertical intraosseous defects.