The role of Platelet - Rich Fibrin technolog in oral wound healing

Abstract

Introduction: Unlike some of his counterparts in the animal kingdom, man does not have the possibility of accelerated healing and regeneration, and over the years, attempts have been made to find ways to avoid this restriction. The blood supply and growth factors are essential components in postoperative healing. Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) is a relatively new concept of natural tissue regeneration, which is widely applied in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Developed by Joseph Choukroun, in 2001, Nice, France, it was firstly used as an enhancer of tissue regeneration for patients with diabetic ulcer. Subsequently, it has spread in other areas and nowadays the PRF technique is a key-procedure in oral and plastic surgery, periodontal surgery, prosthetics, and other domains. Its’ advantage consists in increased concentration of autogenous growth factors, which are spread during ≥7 days. It may be used alone or in combination with grafting materials, in order to facilitate wound healing and tissue maturation after different types of surgeries. Aim of the study. The aim of this study is to analyze the effect of Platelet- Rich Fibrin (PRF) regarding specific clinical cases, in patients with different diagnosis. Materials and methods.. This clinical study has been performed in a series of 20 patients with different clinical diagnosis: wound dehiscence (3 patients), oro-antral communication (5 patients), mandibular cystectomy augmentation (3 patients), free gingival graft from palate (2 patients), sinus lifting procedure (4 patients), postextractional socket preservation (3 patients). These patients were treated using standard treatment protocols and the Platelet- Rich Fibrin membranes as biological seals with and without grafting materials. Results. The use of PRF membranes as a biological seal after soft tissue grafting had the role of isolating the wound from the oral cavity, reducing pain syndrome by limiting the direct exposure of the wound to traumatic factors. In the case of maintaining the post-extraction socket and cystectomy using PRF membranes, the level of the alveolar ridge was maintained, and the quality of the newly formed bone was good enough for the subsequent implant insertion. An increased regeneration effect was observed after the closure of oro-antral communications of different dimensions. Moreover, the application of PRF membranes appears to promote tissue healing in case of postoperative wound dehiscence. Conclusions. By strictly adhering to the protocol, the PRF can be applied in various clinical situations, and the lack of long and short-term complications denotes the positive impact of the technology on the regeneration of oral wounds.