Comparative Radiographic Evaluation of Alveolar Bone Healing Associated With Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma After Impacted Mandibular Third Molar Surgery

Purpose: This study radiographically evaluated the performance of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) applied in tooth sockets. Patients and Methods: Thirty extractions of bilateral impacted mandibular third molars were performed in 15 volunteers (7 men, 8 women; 18 to 22 years old). After extraction of right and left mandibular third molars, the socket at 1 side received the autologous PRP (PRP group) and the other was filled with blood clot (control group). Millimeter periapical radiographs were obtained 7 days, 1 month, and 2, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. Radiographic bone density was quantified 3 times by the same examiner at different moments using HLImage 97 software, and data were statistically analyzed by Statgraf 7.0 software (analysis of variance and Tukey test). Results: In general, there was significantly faster bone formation in sockets treated with PRP (P<.01). Significant bone formation was observed in the first month (P<.01), second month (P<.05), and third month (P<.01) for the PRP group. No statistical differences were observed on the seventh day and sixth month of investigation, yet there were higher means of radiographic bone density in sockets treated with PRP. In the control group, men exhibited significant bone repair compared with women (P<.05). Conclusion: Autologous PRP was found to accelerate alveolar bone regeneration, and men presented better repair after tooth extraction. (C) 2012 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons J Oral Maxillofac Surg 70: 19-24, 2012