Efficacy of Platelet Rich Plasma and Hydroxyapatite Crystals in Bone Regeneration After Surgical Removal of Mandibular Third Molars

Purpose: This study evaluates the efficacy of platelet rich plasma (PRP) & porous hydroxyapatite crystals in bone regeneration after surgical removal of mandibular third molar with the help of radiographs and its comparison with control side. Materials and Methods: A total of 40 patients; both male and female aged between 18 and 35 years, who had impacted mandibular third molars were randomly selected for this study. Twenty patients were taken for control group and 20 patients for study group. The extraction socket of the study group was packed with PRP and hydroxyapatite granules and that of control group was sutured without PRP and hydroxyapatite. The bone density of both extraction sockets were evaluated radiographically using gray level histogram and compared periodically on immediate postoperative day, 1st and 3rd month postoperatively and postoperative sequelae of both the control group and study group in terms of oedema & pain or any other adverse reactions were also assessed. Results: Data suggested evidence of early bone formation and maturation radiographically in study group as compared to control group. The percentage of facial swelling was numerically greater on the control side as compared to the study side, Pain was also assessed with VAS and it was found that the severity of pain was equal in both study and control groups and the results were not significant. Conclusion: This study clearly indicated a definitive improvement in the wound healing, increase in bone density, which signifies and highlights the use of PRP and hydroxyapatite granules, certainly as a valid method in inducing and accelerating bone regeneration. © 2012, Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons of India.