Evaluation of effects of platelet-rich fibrin on treatment outcomes after impacted mandibular third molar surgery: A randomized controlled clinical study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Impaction of the third molar teeth is a common disorder which often necessitates their removal. After third molar surgery, the common postoperative sequelae are pain, trismus, and buccal swelling. Our study sought to evaluate the effect of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) on postoperative pain, swelling, trismus after surgical extraction of impacted mandibular 3(rd) molars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Over a period of 22 months (December 1, 2016–September 30, 2018), 44 patients in the age group of 18–40 years, who required surgical extraction of impacted third molar and met the inclusion criteria were recruited. After surgical extraction of the third molar, only primary closure was performed in the control group (22 Group), whereas PRF was placed in the socket followed by primary closure in the study group (22 patients). The outcome variables were pain, swelling, and maximum mouth opening were measured with a follow-up period of 1 week. RESULTS: The application of PRF in the study group lessens the severity of immediate postoperative sequelae such as pain, swelling, and trismus compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: The treatment outcomes and postoperative sequel were better in the PRF group as compared to other control group on days 1, 3, and 7 postoperatively.