Effect of platelet-rich fibrin on extraction socket healing in diabetic patients – A split-mouth crossover study: A prospective clinical trial

AIMS: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) in postextraction socket healing in diabetic patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The investigators implemented a randomized, split-mouth study in 100 Type 2 diabetic patients undergoing dental extraction of two or more teeth. Following extraction, the experimental socket was packed with PRF and sutured, while the control socket was sutured without packing. The primary outcome measures were soft-tissue healing (assessed by color, bleeding on palpation, granulation tissue, and incidence of suppuration and dry socket), hard-tissue healing (measured by visual interpretation, area of bone coverage, and grayscale analysis), and visual pain scores. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Statistical analysis was done using the independent and paired t-tests, analysis of variance, and Chi-square test RESULTS: Both soft-tissue healing and hard-tissue healing were significantly better in the experimental socket as compared to the control socket. Pain levels, as measured by the visual analog score, were similar in both the extraction sockets. CONCLUSIONS: The use of PRF has beneficial effects in extraction socket healing in diabetic patients.