Effect of Platelet-Rich Fibrin on Alveolar Osteitis and Early Recovery After Mandibular Third Molar Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Mussarat Hayat Sheikh; Zainab Hayat; Changaiz Khan; Aisha Shaikh; Fiza Waheed Pirzada; Sharmeen Saqib

doi:10.61919/8hg2ve74

Authors

Mussarat Hayat Sheikh BDS, MPH, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, Pakistan Author
Zainab Hayat Dentist, Fatima Memorial Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan Author
Changaiz Khan Assistant Professor, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Unit 2, Bolan Medical College and Bolan Medical Complex Hospital, Quetta, Pakistan Author
Aisha Shaikh MPhil Hematology, Baqai Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan Author
Fiza Waheed Pirzada General Dentist, Dow Dental College, DUHS, Karachi, Pakistan Author
Sharmeen Saqib Demonstrator, Bachelor of Dental Surgery, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61919/8hg2ve74

Keywords:

Alveolar Osteitis; Platelet-Rich Fibrin; Third Molar; Tooth Extraction; Postoperative Pain; Wound Healing.

Abstract

Background: Alveolar osteitis is a painful complication after impacted mandibular third molar surgery and is associated with clot disintegration, delayed healing, repeated clinical visits, and increased analgesic use. Platelet-rich fibrin is an autologous fibrin matrix that may enhance clot stability and early tissue repair. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of platelet-rich fibrin in reducing alveolar osteitis and improving early recovery after impacted mandibular third molar extraction. Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial included 60 adults requiring surgical removal of a single impacted mandibular third molar. Participants were allocated to a platelet-rich fibrin group or a conventional socket management group. The primary outcome was alveolar osteitis. Secondary outcomes included pain measured by Visual Analog Scale, facial swelling, Landry Wound Healing Index score, and analgesic consumption during the first post-operative week. Results: Alveolar osteitis occurred in 2 patients in the platelet-rich fibrin group and 8 patients in the control group (6.7% vs 26.7%; p = 0.038). Platelet-rich fibrin was associated with lower pain scores on days 1, 3, and 7, reduced facial swelling on days 3 and 7, better day-7 healing scores, and lower analgesic consumption. Conclusion: Platelet-rich fibrin reduced dry socket incidence and improved early post-operative recovery after mandibular third molar surgery.

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