The Efficacy of A-PRF+ on Postoperative Outcomes Following Surgical Removal of Impacted Mandibular Third Molars (A-PRF+: Advanced Platelet Rich Fibrin)

The Efficacy of A-PRF+ on Postoperative Outcomes Following Surgical Removal of Impacted Mandibular Third Molars: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the effects of A-PRF+ on postoperative pain, swelling, and trismus after surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molars.

Method and Materials: A randomized controlled trial with a parallel design was performed on healthy patients with 76 impacted mandibular third molars with similar difficulty level, having needs and indications for extraction. All patients had the same standardized extraction protocol at the Department of Minor Oral Surgery of the National Hospital of Odonto - Stomatology in HCM City. In the study group, patients' blood was collected and centrifugated to produce A-PRF+, then placed in the wisdom tooth sockets after surgery. In the control group, the tooth sockets were curetted and sutured as in standard protocol. Pain value was assessed according to the VAS at 2, 4, and 6-hour time points after patients' lower lips stopped feeling numb, and on the 1st, 3rd, and 7th postoperative day; Swelling was evaluated based on the measurement between facial landmarks; Trismus was assessed based on the distance between incisal edges of upper central incisor and lower incisor during maximum mouth opening on the 3rd and 7th postoperative days. Data obtained were statistically analyzed.

The study was a parallel randomized controlled trial on patients having impacted mandibular third molar (IMTM) extraction. This study was performed at the Department of Minor Oral Surgery in the National Hospital of Odonto - Stomatology in HCM City from October 2019 to April 2021. All patients who had IMTM extraction were examined by the dentists at the Department of Minor Oral Surgery. If IMTM were Montero≥2(7), patients would be referred to the research team. After reviewing the criteria for inclusion and exclusion, the investigators explained to all patients the information about the operation, healing time, and possible complications, and the investigators obtained their informed consent before surgery.

Based on recent research with a power of 80% and α=5%, the investigators calculated the minimum sample size for comparing 2 mean values. The result is each group needs a minimum of 36 participants. The initial sample consisted of 85 in both groups intended to participate in this study at the Department of Minor Oral Surgery in the National Hospital of Odonto - Stomatology in HCM City from October 2019 to April 2021. One patient was excluded from this study because of the ASA PS Index>2. After randomization, one patient in the study group could not collect blood for centrifugation; seven patients were excluded due to lack of compliance (four in the control group, three in the study group). Finally, 76 samples remained in this study (Male 23, Female 53).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Older than 18 of age
• Healthy patients (ASA PS index ≤ 2)
• The impacted mandibular third molar (IMTM) had to be in the "deep molars" ≥ 2 (according to Montero classification)
• Absence of acute inflammation and/or infection in the IMTM areas
• No history of NSAID usage four weeks before surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

• Those with systemic conditions or pharmacologic treatments that alter oral microbiota or immunologic response
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• Those with the presence of any neoplastic lesion (benign or malignant), clinically or radiologically, at the extraction site or close to the IMTM
• Those with the presence of any radiolucent lesion larger than 1cm at the IMTM
• Those absent of the adjacent teeth
• Lack of compliance