Alveolar wound healing after tooth extraction using platelet-rich plasma

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the periodontal healing of mandibular second molars after the removal of impacted mandibular third molars using platelet-rich plasma graft. Material and Method: A total of 40 consecutive healthy patients who presented with bilaterally impacted mandibular third molars were included in this study. The same operator removed the impacted third molars on both sides in all patients. On one side was placed platelet-rich plasma graft (Group 2), whereas the contralateral side was placed blood clot (Group 1). Periodontal pocket depth measured by periodontal probe and bone density on distal to the mandibular second molars, that was quantified using HLImage 97 program, were assessed at 7 days, 1, 2, 3 and 6 months after surgery. Results: The depth of gingival crevice among the groups showed differences on 7 days and 1 month periods, with return to the ideal depth more quickly when platelet-rich plasma graft was used. The side treated with platelet-rich plasma graft presented larger averages (p <0,05) of bone density on 7 days, 1 and 3 months periods, showing good results in bone formation (Group 1 = 68,128%; Group 2 = 75,018%) same considering that the volunteers of this study were young and healthy. Conclusion: The results showed better periodontal healing and bone healing when platelet-rich plasma graft was employed.