Platelet-rich fibrin vs. local buccal advancement flap for closure of oroantral communications: A prospective clinical study

Abstract

Abstract Objectives This study compared the clinical outcome as well as the wound healing course, the displacement of the mucogingival border (MGB) and the pain level between the use of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and buccal advancement flap (BAF) for the closure of oroantral communications (OAC). Material and Methods Fifty eligible patients with an OAC defect larger than 3 mm were randomly assigned either to PRF (test group, n = 25) or BAF (control group, n = 25) for defect closure. In a prospective follow-up program the defect closure healing process, the scoring of the wound healing course by Landry wound healing index (score: 0–5) as well as the displacement of the MGB and the postoperative pain score were evaluated. Results Five patients in each group were lost to follow-up resulting in 40 patients (20 in each group) for continuous evaluation. At postoperative day 21 (study endpoint) a non-significant difference regarding success rate (defined as closure of OAC) was noticed between the test (90%; 18/20) and control group (90%; 18/20). A univariate analysis showed significant differences for age and defect size/height for the use of PRF between successful-tight and open–failed defect healing. At the final evaluation, a significant (p = 0.005) better wound healing score, a lower displacement of the MGB as well as lower pain-score were seen for the use of PRF. Conclusions PRF is promising regarding defect healing outcome. Clinical relevance The defect size should be taken into account when choosing the number and size of PRF plugs used.