Powering Next-Level Healing for Periodontal Defects
Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is transforming the treatment of periodontal intrabony defects by enhancing bone regeneration and supporting the healing of the periodontal ligament and cementum. Backed by meta-analyses and clinical trials, PRF, alone or combined with other regenerative materials, delivers superior outcomes compared to traditional methods.
Regenerating lost periodontal structures has long been a challenge, but platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is proving to be a game-changer in achieving predictable and lasting results. PRF has been particularly effective in the treatment of periodontal intrabony defects. When applied to these defects, PRF enhances bone regeneration and supports the healing of the periodontal ligament and cementum. Meta-analyses demonstrate that using PRF alone or in combination with other regenerative materials significantly improves clinical outcomes compared to traditional treatments.1
PRF significantly enhances periodontal tissue regeneration by releasing key growth factors such as PDGF and TGF-β. These growth factors stimulate the proliferation and differentiation of cells essential for tissue repair, including fibroblasts and osteoblasts. A 2023 systematic review and network meta-analysis found that the use of PRF in periodontal intrabony defects significantly improves clinical parameters such as probing depth, clinical attachment level, and bone fill compared to other treatments.2
Additionally, a recently randomized controlled trial highlighted that the adjunctive use of collagen membrane with PRF in the treatment of periodontal intrabony defects resulted in significantly better clinical outcomes than PRF alone.3 These studies have supported the evidence that PRF enhances bone regeneration and supports the healing of the periodontal ligament and cementum. This is crucial in ensuring the long-term stability and functionality of the periodontium. Therefore, when possible, the use of PRF in periodontal intrabony defects may result in significant improvements in clinical outcomes compared to traditional methods. With its ability to accelerate healing and improve long-term stability, PRF is poised to become a cornerstone in the regenerative treatment of periodontal intrabony defects.
References
- Silva FFVE, Chauca-Bajaña L, Caponio VCA, et al. Regeneration of periodontal intrabony defects using platelet-rich fibrin (PRF): a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Odontology. 2024;112:1047-1068.
- Miron RJ, Moraschini V, Fujioka-Kobayashi M, et al. Use of platelet-rich fibrin for the treatment of periodontal intrabony defects: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Oral Investig. 2021;25:2461-2478.
- Mubarak R, Adel-Khattab D, Abdel-Ghaffar KA, Gamal AY. Adjunctive effect of collagen membrane coverage to L-PRF in the treatment of periodontal intrabony defects: a randomized controlled clinical trial with biochemical assessment. BMC Oral Health. 2023;23:631.
This originally appeared in Luan KW, Narvekar A. Unlocking the regenerative power of platelet-rich fibrin. Decisions in Dentistry. 2025;11(2):40-45.
