Do platelet-rich concentrates improve the adverse sequelae of impacted mandibular third molar removal?

Background Several measures have been implemented to minimize the side effects of impacted third molar (M3) removal including the use of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF). Purpose This study compared the effects of three modifications of PRF (Leukocyte-PRF, Advanced-PRF, and Advanced-PRF+) on the side effects of impacted M3 removal. Study design, setting, and sample This double-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Oral Surgery department of Kashan University between September 2022 and May 2023 on patients undergoing mandibular impacted M3 removal. Exclusion criteria were age over 30, local inflammation and infection, medication usage, and systemic disease. Independent variable The independent variable was the PRF product grouped into four categories (control, leukocyte-PRF, advanced-PRF, and advanced-PRF+). Study subjects were randomly distributed among the four groups. Main outcome variables The main outcome variables were postoperative sequelae including measures of soft tissue healing, pain, analgesic use, alveolar osteitis, trismus, and swelling. Subjects were assessed at baseline and on days 1, 2, 3, and 7 post-surgery. Covariates Age, sex, duration of surgery, and side of surgery were the covariates. Analyses Changes at different time points were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA. Pairwise comparisons were performed if significant. P-values≤.05 were considered statistically significant. Results The sample consisted of 64 subjects (16 per group). All three modifications of PRF yielded significantly better soft tissue healing index than the control group on days 2, 3, 7, and 14 postoperatively (P>.05). A-PRF and A-PRF+ had significantly better healing index than L-PRF on the third day (P=.02, P=.01). All the study groups significantly reduced VAS pain score than the control group on days 1, 2, and 3. A-PRF and A-PRF+ had significantly lower VAS scores than L-PRF on the second day (P=.003, P=.02). No significant difference was found in maximum mouth opening during follow-up sessions (P=.2). Study groups had less facial swelling on days 2 and 3 than the control group (P<.05). Conclusion L-PRF, A-PRF, and A-PRF+ can improve postoperative outcomes after M3 removal, but may not impact trismus. A-PRF and A-PRF+ may be more effective than L-PRF in promoting soft tissue healing and reducing pain. A-PRF and A-PRF+ have comparable results.