Healing of intrabony defects following treatment with open flap debridement (OFD) or platelet rich gel (OFD + PRG)
Abstract
The aim of this case presentation was to clinically evaluate the results following the treatment of intrabony defects using
either autologous platelet-rich gel (PRG) or open flap debridement (OFD). The main goal of the comprehensive periodontal
treatment is to eliminate inflammation and to prevent further destruction of the periodontium, as well as to achieve
sustainable condition in the long-term. Regenerative techniques, such as PRG application, have gained attention for
their potential to enhance periodontal healing by promoting tissue regeneration and reducing probing depth (PD). This
case series includes five selected cases from a larger controlled clinical trial involving 28 non-smoking patients with intrabony
defects.
These patients were randomly assigned to receive treatment with either PRG or OFD. The primary clinical parameters
assessed were probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL), measured at baseline and one year postoperatively.
The surgical procedure involved full-thickness flap elevation, thorough defect curettage, scaling, and root planing
to remove granulation tissue and bacterial deposits. PRG was prepared in a multi-step process: first, platelet-rich plasma
(PRP) was obtained from the patient’s own blood, followed by the addition of calcium gluconate and fresh venous
blood, which triggered the formation of PRG. In the experimental group (n = 3), the intrabony defects were filled with
PRG, whereas in the control group (n = 2), defects were treated using OFD alone. The surgical sites were then sutured
and allowed to heal. After one year, clinical evaluations demonstrated improvements in PD reduction and CAL gain in all
five cases. However, the PRG-treated sites showed superior outcomes compared to OFD alone, suggesting that PRG
may enhance periodontal regeneration. The present study using PRG seems to open new horizons in the investigation
of the effects of platelet-concentrates on periodontal healing.
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