Clinical and radiographic assessment of effect of platelet-rich fibrin on dental implant osseointegration - A split mouth randomized clinical trial

Purpose: Biomimetic agents are being researched for their potential to stimulate bone formation and boost bone-implant contact. The objective of this study was to assess how osseointegration of dental implants is impacted by platelet-rich fibrin. Materials and Methods: The present study was a randomized clinical trial with a split mouth design. Surgical sites were split randomly into two groups: Group 1 (30 implants) had a topical application of platelet-rich fibrin at the site of implant osteotomy, while Group 2 (30 implants) did not have any platelet-rich fibrin application. Marginal bone level (MBL), peri-implant bone density (BD), wound healing index (WHI), and peri-implant sulcus probing depth (PD) were assessed. For BD, intergroup comparison was done using t-test and intragroup comparison was done using paired t-test. For MBL, PD, and WHI, intergroup comparison was done using Mann-Whitney U test, and intragroup comparison was done using Wilcoxon Signed rank test. Results: From baseline to 12 months, a highly significant difference (p < 0.01) was seen for change in peri-implant bone density, with Group 1 showing greater values. Intergroup comparison of MBL and change in MBL showed values with highly significant differences (p < 0.01), with more bone loss in Group 2. Probing depth values showed significant differences with lesser values in Group 1. Wound healing index values were lower and highly significant in Group 1. Conclusion: Application of platelet-rich fibrin at the osteotomy site is associated with a decline in probing depth and wound healing index, and a rise in peri-implant bone density with minimal MBL.