Clinical and Radiographic Assessment of Injectable Platelet-Rich Fibrin in the Treatment of Intrabony Defects.

BACKGROUND

Injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF) has emerged as a bioactive material in periodontal regeneration due to its rich content of growth factors and ease of application. However, its clinical efficacy in managing intrabony defects remains underexplored.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of intrabony defect treatment using i-PRF in comparison with open flap debridement (OFD) alone.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

This randomized controlled clinical trial included 40 patients with chronic periodontitis presenting with intrabony defects, divided into two groups: Group A (OFD + i-PRF) and Group B (OFD only). Clinical parameters including probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and radiographic defect depth were measured at baseline and 6 months postoperatively. Intraoral periapical radiographs with a customized grid and paralleling technique were used for radiographic evaluation. Statistical analysis was performed using paired and unpaired t-tests with a significance threshold of P < 0.05.

RESULTS

At 6 months, Group A showed significantly greater PPD reduction (3.46 ± 0.62 mm) compared with Group B (2.12 ± 0.54 mm, P < 0.001). CAL gain was also significantly higher in Group A (3.12 ± 0.58 mm) versus Group B (1.78 ± 0.61 mm, P < 0.001). Radiographic bone fill was 58.4% ± 9.7% in Group A compared with 34.6% ± 8.3% in Group B (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The adjunctive use of injectable PRF with OFD demonstrated superior clinical and radiographic improvements in the treatment of intrabony defects compared to OFD alone, suggesting its promising role in periodontal regeneration.